A.J. Preller: The Architect of the Padres and His Risky Plays
In a span of six hours, San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller finalized five transactions involving 22 players. The reactions of his colleagues ranged from “lunatic” to “genius,” a reflection of the polarizing nature of this MLB executive. Preller, known for his frenetic activity, acquired eight players and transferred 14. Among his acquisitions, the stellar closer Mason Miller stands out, thus covering the team’s shortcomings. However, he also released 11 prospects, including Leo De Vries, the best player in a declining farm system. With these moves, the 2025 Padres are positioned to compete with the best teams in the league, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, although with possible long-term consequences.This phrase, conveyed by Billy Beane, is the mantra that Preller has adopted. The prospects he has let go, such as Max Fried, Luis Castillo, Emmanuel Clase, Andrés Muñoz, David Bednar, CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, and James Wood, now shine on other teams. Preller, like Beane, prefers to focus on what he receives. In this case, Miller’s arrival adds to that of players like Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Josh Hader, Juan Soto, Dylan Cease, Luis Arráez, and Tanner Scott, who have contributed significantly to the team. Preller has demonstrated his ability to make big moves. In a period of three weeks, he got Darvish, Snell, and Musgrove. In two days, he added Hader and Soto. Last year, Cease, Arráez, and Scott arrived. This year, he raised the level, transforming a team with some weaknesses into one of the most complete in the National League. The incorporation of Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano, both with excellent seasons, strengthens a lineup that needed a boost. Freddy Fermín, an underestimated catcher, improves a weak position. JP Sears and Nestor Cortes, also newcomers, reinforce the rotation. Miller joins Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, and Robert Suárez to form a lethal bullpen. Preller, with skill, has covered every weakness, even reinforcing strengths, without affecting the payroll. A person close to Preller called it a “masterful performance.” Seven of the eight acquired players are controllable beyond this season. Sears, Fermín, and Miller, who will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season, are in the early stages of their careers. Preller’s willingness to trade De Vries reflects his boldness and his confidence in the team’s ability to develop talent. It also demonstrates the urgency to win. Key players like Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Darvish are in their 30s. The World Series championship remains elusive for the franchise. The Dodgers, their rival, are within reach. The Padres had a good start to the season, with inconsistent performance in May and June, but recovered in July. Coming into the trade deadline, they were 3.5 games out of the last wild card spot and three games behind the Dodgers for first place in the division. In a Western Division that seemed to have four contenders, now only two remain. The Arizona Diamondbacks couldn’t overcome their pitchers’ injuries. The San Francisco Giants declined after acquiring Rafael Devers. The Dodgers, for their part, responded with marginal moves. The Padres found the perfect fit in Miller. Preller regrets not having him earlier. Now, Miller is a Padre, an acquisition that has generated surprise and admiration. Preller hopes the team will raise its level in the last months of the season.“I’ve traded MVP-caliber players, Cy Young-caliber players, All-Stars, and after 25 years, I’m still in this position and I’ve won a lot of games.”
A.J. Preller
