J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra

Joined: Dec 4, 2023

J.P. Hoornstra is an On SI Contributor. A veteran of 20 years of sports coverage for daily newspapers in California, J.P. covered MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels (occasionally of Anaheim) from 2012-23 for the Southern California News Group. His first book, The 50 Greatest Dodgers Games of All-Time, published in 2015. In 2016, he won an Associated Press Sports Editors award for breaking news coverage. He once recorded a keyboard solo on the same album as two of the original Doors.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws during the first inning of game one of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

Padres hat on a glove in the dugout in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon (50) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at American Family Field on Oct. 3, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres pitcher Griffin Canning (right) celebrates with catcher Freddy Fermin after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Aug. 4, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres pitchers' Yuki Matsui (1) and Yu Darvish (11) walk to the practice fields during Spring Training Camp at Peoria Sports Complex on Feb. 11, 2024.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres left-handed pitcher Yuki Matsui had an opt-out in his contract that would have allowed him to reach free agency after this season.

San Diego Padres pitcher Tucker Musgrove during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park on Nov. 9, 2025.

San Diego Padres News

The Padres have a relatively weak farm system, but might need to promote one or more players to their 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.

A detail view of a San Diego Padres hat on a glove in the dugout in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 17, 2022.

San Diego Padres News

A 24-year-old Padres outfield prospect announced himself with one swing in an AFL game.

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Adrian Morejon (50) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on Sept. 26, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

The 27-year-old left-hander logged a lot of innings in 2026, and teams interested in signing him as a free agent must take his health into consideration this offseason.

Oct 7, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The Padres' president of baseball operations used an interesting analogy to describe the importance of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. to the franchise.

Sep 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Ethan Salas (8) gestures after hitting a single during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Catcher Ethan Salas is one of three Padres prospects who could be in line for more big-league playing time in 2027.

Padres executive Erik Greupner, president of baseball operations AJ Preller and Hideo Nomo prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park on Aug. 21, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres News

The Padres reportedly signed a free agent right-handed pitcher from Japan to a minor league contract with a $300,000 signing bonus.

San Diego Padres pitcher J.P. Sears (38) delivers during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on June 24, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

The Padres can find four internal candidates to fill out the back end of their starting rotation — but should they?

Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) receives the MVP trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

A player the Padres traded in December 2014 suddenly looks like he could be a good fit in San Diego, on the eve of his first career World Series appearance.

Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) celebrates with infielder Nathaniel Lowe (46) after a home run in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Aug. 21, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

If the Padres find themselves shopping in the bargain bin of free agency again, here are three players who could make sense for them in 2027.

San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin (54) shakes hands with relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) after the final out of the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 23, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

The San Diego Padres can address an area of weakness by subtracting from an area of strength with one trade.

Sep 15, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen (14) calls to the bull pen in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

One Padres coach is more likely than the others to pursue a new job than the others, and one opportunity for him to pursue a promotion stands out.