Padres Notebook: Will A.J. Preller make a move ahead of Opening Day?
Aug 1, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller, right, talks with CEO Erik Greupner in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Chadd Cady-Imagn Images When it comes to the realm of unpredictability, few embody it better than Padres General Manager A.
J. Preller. The gun-slinging executive has garnered a reputation for striking at any given moment.
Whether through an acquisition via free agency or a multi-player blockbuster trade, Preller is always willing to get creative to address the Padres' most dire roster needs. Heading into the 2026 campaign, the focus remains on a San Diego starting pitching rotation that has plenty of question marks before taking the field on March 26 versus the Detroit Tigers. With Opening Day just days away, Preller has yet to make a trade, an ultra-rare sight that has many pondering if a move is on the horizon from the rock-star GM.
Who rounds out the starting staff? As it stands, the Padres look slated to start the year with a trio of Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Randy Vásquez atop their rotation. Right-hander Joe Musgrove would certainly fit into that group, but will instead start the season on the injured-list.
The 33-year-old is bouncing back from missing all of the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October '24. He last threw during a bullpen session after tossing three-plus innings against Great Britain's WBC squad in an exhibition game on March 4. Veteran hurler Walker Buehler, who signed a minor league deal with the club in mid-February, was recently awarded a spot with the major league roster after an impressive Cactus League showing.
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