Photo via MLB.com

Padres face series of questions this winter after latest postseason exit

The San Diego Padres enter the offseason facing a familiar challenge: how to build on their recent postseason runs while addressing persistent shortcomings that have derailed their chances in three straight years. Despite winning at least 90 games in each of the last three seasons and reaching the playoffs, the team has been eliminated in the National League Division Series all three times, most recently falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in a tightly contested series.

The Padres’ latest exit raises questions about their ability to sustain success against elite competition, particularly after their offense stalled and their pitching staff faltered late in the season. General manager A.J.

Preller acknowledged the need for incremental improvement, framing the offseason as an opportunity to refine the roster rather than overhaul it entirely—though the rotation presents a critical area of uncertainty. With free agents including Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, and Casey Mize on the market, along with questions surrounding Nick Pivetta’s return and Michael King’s potential opt-out, the Padres must navigate a mix of retention decisions and potential upgrades to construct a staff capable of competing for a championship.

Up nextMLB· 43m ago

Pirates Brandon Lowe named Gold Glove finalist