One signing has finally broken the Padres’ silence—but it may only be the beginning.
After weeks of inactivity, San Diego made a move that could trigger a chain reaction across their entire roster.

Padres Finally Make a Move: Miguel Andújar Signing Signals Bigger Decisions Ahead

After weeks of quiet frustration from fans and analysts, the San Diego Padres have finally made a significant roster move. Late last night, general manager A.J. Preller ended the team’s long offseason silence by signing veteran hitter Miguel Andújar to a one-year, $4 million contract.

The deal marks the Padres’ first fully guaranteed MLB signing since re-signing pitcher Michael King more than a month ago, a stretch that had many wondering whether the front office would remain inactive heading into the 2026 season.

But while the Andújar signing solves one problem, it also reveals just how many decisions still lie ahead.

Filling a Critical Hole in the Lineup

The Padres’ lineup suddenly looks far more complete than it did just a day earlier.

At FanFest, manager Craig Staimman confirmed that Gavin Sheets will serve as the team’s starting first baseman in 2026, leaving a major gap at designated hitter. That opening created uncertainty in a lineup that already struggled in key matchups last season.

Now, Andújar appears ready to fill that void.

The 29-year-old hitter arrives with a clear role: punishing left-handed pitching. His presence directly addresses one of the Padres’ biggest weaknesses in 2025, when the team finished 17th in Major League Baseball with a 96 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers.

Andújar’s strong splits against lefties make him a logical solution in the DH slot, giving San Diego a more stable offensive structure. But stability doesn’t necessarily mean the roster is finished.

In fact, the signing may only be the first step.

The Padres’ Next Big Target: Marcell Ozuna

Even after adding Andújar, the Padres’ lineup still contains question marks.

Both Gavin Sheets and Miguel Andújar profile best in platoon roles, yet they currently project to receive everyday at-bats. That’s where a surprising but intriguing option could enter the conversation: Marcell Ozuna.

Despite a slightly down season, Ozuna remains one of baseball’s most consistent offensive threats. Last year he hit 21 home runs with a 114 wRC+ across 592 plate appearances, proving he can still anchor the middle of a lineup.

More importantly, Ozuna has demonstrated balanced success against both left- and right-handed pitching, consistently producing wRC+ numbers above 110 in both splits.

If San Diego were to sign Ozuna as a full-time DH, the ripple effect could be significant.

Instead of forcing Sheets and Andújar into everyday roles, the Padres could deploy them in an optimal platoon:

Sheets (119 wRC+ vs. right-handed pitching)
Andújar (172 wRC+ vs. left-handed pitching)

That combination could transform first base into a highly productive offensive position while keeping Ozuna locked in as the lineup’s everyday DH.

A Familiar Pitching Option: Nick Martinez

Offense isn’t the only area where San Diego may still look for reinforcements.

The pitching market remains crowded, and that could open the door for a reunion with Nick Martinez, a familiar face in Padres colors.

Martinez spent two seasons in San Diego as a hybrid starter-reliever and proved to be one of the most dependable arms on the staff. Between 2022 and 2023, he posted a 3.45 ERA and 4.17 FIP, often stepping in wherever the team needed him most.

With big names like Justin Verlander and Lucas Giolito dominating the headlines, Martinez could quietly slip into a price range that fits San Diego’s budget.

The appeal is obvious.

If the Padres’ projected five-man rotation stays healthy—a big if—Martinez could settle into a long-relief role. But if injuries strike or performance falters, he would be ready to step into the rotation.

Considering the injury history of pitchers like Joe Musgrove and the uncertainty surrounding depth options like Randy Vásquez and J.P. Sears, that kind of flexibility could prove invaluable.

A Sneaky Offensive Depth Option: Gary Sánchez

Another intriguing possibility is a reunion with catcher Gary Sánchez.

While Sánchez’s market has remained quiet this offseason, his previous success in San Diego makes him a compelling low-risk option.

In 2023, Sánchez delivered an explosive stretch with the Padres, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 46 runs in just 234 at-bats, finishing with a .792 OPS.

Although his 2025 season in Baltimore was limited to 101 plate appearances, he still posted a respectable 100 wRC+, showing he can remain productive in the right role.

On the current Padres roster, Sánchez could serve as a versatile bench weapon.

With Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin still struggling to provide consistent offense, Sánchez could step in as:

A late-game pinch hitter
A backup catcher
A platoon bat against left-handed pitching

Historically, Sánchez has performed well against lefties, making him a potential complement to both Sheets and Andújar.

If signed to a minor league deal, he could become the kind of affordable “Swiss Army knife” hitter that playoff contenders often rely on.

The First Move in a Much Larger Plan

The signing of Miguel Andújar may not dominate national headlines, but for the Padres it represents something more important.

It’s a signal.

After weeks of inactivity, A.J. Preller has finally started reshaping the roster—and the next moves could be far more significant.

With offensive depth still needed, pitching stability uncertain, and several intriguing free agents still available, San Diego’s offseason may only just be getting started.

For Padres fans, the message is clear:

The first domino has fallen.

And more could be coming soon.