Having gone this far, there’s probably no turning back this summer for A.J. Preller and Peter Seidler.
Having bought themselves a realistic shot at the postseason, the better question is why wouldn’t the Padres try to build upon it? Recall Seidler’s comment in February about staying the course in pursuit of the franchise’s first World Series title. “When we talk about risk,” he said, “there’s a risk to doing nothing.”
Already, Seidler and Preller — collaborators since August 2014 — have mortgaged sizable chunks of the franchise’s future in their years-long attempt to win this year’s World Series or other surrounding World Series. They still have the means to make trades this summer. The Padres’ farm system boasts lower level prospects who appeal to other clubs, and Seidler’s track record of raising the payroll — estimated at $250 million, third of the 30 teams — bodes well for adding salary.
Though scouts say third base would be a good landing spot for Bogaerts in a few years, Manny Machado belongs at third base and is contracted through 2033 for $350 million. At first base, 29-year-old Jake Cronenworth is guaranteed close to $80 million through 2030. Might Preller take a similar approach — add a low-cost hitter, retain the incumbent — to boost other underachieving areas?