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.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 11, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) reacts after pitching in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 9.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller looks on before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on Sept. 4, 2024.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres president and general manager AJ Preller celebrates in the clubhouse following the game against the Chicago White Sox after clinching a playoff berth at Petco Park on Oct. 2, 2022.

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres fans arrive for an Opening Day game against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 26, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

The Padres' reported sale price presents a paradox for owners of 29 other MLB teams, who weren't expecting the team to sell for $3.9 billion.

San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler (10) looks on from the dugout in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Peoria Sports Complex on Feb. 23, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

After his most recent start against the Seattle Mariners, Buehler said his velocity uptick is "something I'm super excited about."

Padres left fielder Gavin Sheets (30), right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) and second baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) talk during spring training camp on Feb. 15, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

A former two-way player in college still has the itch to pitch for the Padres.

A general view of a San Diego Padres hat and glove in the dugout prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres at loanDepot park in July 2021.

San Diego Padres News

The left-hander went 3-3 with a 6.70 ERA for Triple-A El Paso in 2025, and more recently had pitched 12 games for Mexicali during the 2025-26 Winter League season.

San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller (22) tosses a football to warm up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.

San Diego Padres News

There's an alternate universe in which Mason Miller began the 2026 season in the Padres' starting rotation rather than the back-end of the bullpen, and Trevor Hoffman divulged how close it came to reality.

A general view of the exterior of Petco Park on July 3, 2020.

San Diego Padres News

Why are the Padres soon to own the record sale price for an MLB team? The reporter who broke the story broke it down.

Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano (30) forces out New York Yankees catcher Rodolfo Duran (96) and throws the ball to first base in the third inning at LECOM Park on March 11, 2023.

San Diego Padres News

The Padres' clubhouse included a new face in the wake of an injury to Freddy Fermin, but he might not be around for long.

Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) prepares to throw.a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park on July 4, 2025.

San Diego Padres News

Nick Pivetta's injury concern has created an opening for the Padres to sign a free agent pitcher, and one reporter believes they're a perfect match.

San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller speaks on the phone during NLCS workouts at Petco Park in October 2022.

San Diego Padres News

The president of baseball operations revealed the character trait he's most looking for in his new boss — whenever he gets one.

Apr 12, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27), left, leaves the field with a trainer during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

According to a new report, the Padres are one of two teams interested in a former All-Star free agent, heightening concerns around Nick Pivetta's elbow injury.

Jun 27, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Reiss Knehr (33) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The Padres lost a free agent who posted a 2.70 ERA in 18 games at Triple-A last year.

Apr 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) reacts after pitching in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The 27-year-old closer is careening on an unsustainable pace to one of the best reliever seasons in MLB history.