The San Diego Padres have decided to retain outfielder Tim Locastro for the upcoming season, signing him to a minor league contract. This move allows Locastro the chance to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training.

Locastro, who joined the Padres as a free agent in 2024, faced challenges last season after dislocating his right shoulder during a stolen base attempt, which required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Prior to his stint with San Diego, Locastro had a varied career, initially drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays before making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has also played for the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks, with a notable peak in performance during the 2020 season where he achieved a .290 batting average.

The Seattle Mariners experienced a tough start to their Cactus League season, losing 5-2 to the San Diego Padres. Despite the presence of several regulars, including J.P. Crawford and Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners were only able to record two hits throughout the game. Jhonathan Diaz struggled on the mound, giving up three runs in the first inning, largely due to a two-run homer by Manny Machado. The Mariners managed to breathe some life into the game in the ninth inning with a home run from Samad Taylor, a promising sign as they prepare for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have significantly bolstered their chances for the upcoming MLB season by infusing their roster with key players like Blake Snell and Michael Conforto, while also retaining talent like Blake Treinen and Teoscar Hernández. On the contrary, the San Diego Padres have struggled to make impactful moves, losing out on Roki Sasaki, which could have solidified their pitching rotation for a fraction of the cost.

Despite this, Padres' pitcher Michael King remains optimistic, believing that had they defeated the Dodgers in last year’s postseason, they could have claimed the World Series title. With the loss of key players like Kyle Higashioka and Ha-Seong Kim, the Padres are still seeking trades to manage payroll, leaving their season prospects uncertain.

The San Diego Padres are poised for a busy offseason with rumors swirling around their players being on the trading block. Right-handed reliever Robert Suarez, who enjoyed a breakout season, is a potential trade candidate. After signing a five-year deal worth $46 million, the Padres are looking to gain financial flexibility. With a 2.77 ERA and 36 saves in 2024, Suarez showcased his skills, even earning an All-Star nod. Teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, and Mets are showing interest as the Padres might look to capitalize on their strong bullpen depth.

Although numerous teams are eyeing Suarez, the Padres remain cautious about any trades. Last year, they executed several significant deals, and this year may not be any different. With a strong bullpen featuring Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada, the Padres could afford to let go of a player like Suarez while still maintaining a competitive edge.

The San Diego Padres enter the new season with a chip on their shoulder after their recent playoff exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Mike Shildt emphasized a fresh start, acknowledging both the successes and unfinished business from the previous season. Right-hander Michael King expressed confidence in their core lineup and their ability to compete against the Dodgers, who have made significant offseason acquisitions. Third baseman Manny Machado is eager to face off against the defending champions, indicating a strong desire to prove their worth.

As the Padres gear up for Cactus League play, Ryan Bergert is set to take the mound in the spring training opener against the Seattle Mariners. Despite spending most of last season in Double-A, Bergert hopes to secure a spot in the starting rotation, showcasing the competitive spirit and depth of talent within the Padres’ roster.