Padres News: Friars CEO Says Team Will Conduct Thorough Review of Entire Organization
Padres fans expected a playoff spot to begin the 2023 season yet the Friars will miss the postseason once more under the direction of GM A.J. Preller.
San Diego CEO Erik Greupner indicated wholesale changes might be on the horizon this winter after a miserable season fell well short of the sky-high expectations set out for them.
“Winning can cover over a lot, and at times I think it can give you some false positives, some returns that may not be entirely consistent with underlying culture. And I think when you fall short, it lays bare everything,” Padres CEO Erik Greupner said. “So although it’s difficult, it’s an opportunity that you don’t always get and you gotta take full advantage of it, and we’re gonna do that as an organization.”
Preller continued his trend to chase starry free agent additions this offseason after they already compiled a star-studded roster in 2022.
The front office remained unsatisfied with their surprise NLCS run from the year prior and added former Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts to their already potent hitting core.
Manny Machado also received a new extension that should keep him a Padre for the remainder of his career.
Alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto, many at Petco Park expected at least a playoff appearance for 2023, but will leave empty-handed.
Many in the organization already signaled that payroll slashes are imminent and impending free agents Blake Snell and Josh Hader likely aren't part of the 2024 picture.
Such a drastic shift in philosophy means Juan Soto could also be traded if ownership feels his impending extension isn't worth breaking the market before the winter of 2025.
It doesn't take a genius to recognize that major roster changes are coming soon but the question remains about just who will survive the shakeup.
