The Padres are for sale and appear to be making progress in that area. The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee reports that the field of potential buyers has been narrowed from five to four, and the process could be completed by April. Jeff Passan of Acee and ESPN reports that the sale price is expected to exceed $3 billion.
The Seidler family announced last November that it would pursue a sale of the franchise. At the time, it seemed like some squabbles within the family could hinder the effort, but reports in February showed that some legal issues had been eased and five potential buyers had submitted bids. It appears that one of the groups has been eliminated from the bidding, but Acee does not specify who is out and who is still remaining.
If the price actually exceeds $3 billion, it would easily set a new benchmark. The highest sale price for an MLB franchise to date is the $2.4 billion that Steve Cohen put down to purchase the Mets in 2020.
Looking at the list, the likelihood of that happening becomes more and more likely. Joe Musgrove He will begin the season on the injured list. The right-hander is looking forward to getting back on the mound after having his 2025 season sidelined by Tommy John surgery. There were reports three days ago that Musgrove was slowly being brought into camp. Acee reported yesterday that Musgrove hasn’t thrown again in the past few days. Although he pitched 3 innings in an exhibition game on March 4, he did not recover as expected and only threw 1 bullpen pitch afterward.
The Padres said they were cautious with their manager. Craig Stamman These are called “maintenance patterns” and “pauses” to ensure Musgrove is ready to take the next step. “I’m just waiting to get over that hump and feel a little better before I start doing anything on the field,” Stammen said. “But we’re still in a good position, we still had to know what was going to happen and be prepared. We have his best interests in mind.”
Even if nothing serious happens, Opening Day is two weeks away, so every day without progress increases the likelihood of an IL period. The Padres are scheduled to begin next season. michael king, Nick Pivetta and Randy Vasquez At three rotation points. ace peg Herman Marquez and Walker Buehler Assuming Musgrove hits the IL, he’s the favorite for the final two spots. Marquez is already on the 40-man roster, but Buehler still doesn’t have a spot. If you do not have a contract, you can cancel your contract after camp ends.
What the monks do on Opening Day will be temporary. Musgrove will likely rejoin at some point. Matt Waldron The schedule has been delayed due to hemorrhoid surgery, but it is now increasing. He is expected to start the season on the IL but shouldn’t miss too much time. Since he has no choice, the Friars will have to find a spot for him on the active roster or push him off the 40-man. griffin canning He also plans to rejoin the rotation at some point, a few weeks behind Musgrove and Waldron.
In the infield, Song Seong-moon I’m trying to fix a nagging right-slope issue. He could start the season on the injured list, which would open up a bench spot for someone like: Will Wagner. Unfortunately, Acee relayed that Wagner is dealing with his oblique strain and hasn’t done any baseball activity since early March. He will almost certainly start the year with Song on the IL. This may increase your chances of finding the same person. thai france or Mason McCoy Get a spot on opening day.
Like Buehler, France can opt out of his contract after camp if he is not added to the 40-man roster. The Friars blatantly opened up the position this week. dyson acosta But if you choose both Buehler and France, you’ll need one more. That won’t be difficult. Yu Darvish and Brian Hoying Both are expected to miss the 2026 season due to surgery and have not yet been placed on the 60-day IL.
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images
