Padres are under pressure to produce
PEORIA, Ariz. – A.J. Preller had the benefit of a free-spending and patient owner during his past few seasons as general manager of the San Diego Padres.
That might not be the case anymore. Eric Kutsenda has taken over as the San Diego Padres control person following the death of owner Peter Seidler in November. Kutsenda is a co-founder and managing partner of Seidler Equity Partners and a friend of Seidler’s for more than 30 years.
But it’s unclear whether Kutsenda is ready to spend like Seidler, who boosted the team’s payroll to $258 million on opening day in 2023 in pursuit of its first World Series title.
One thing that did seem clear on Saturday is that Kutsenda expects results from Preller, regardless of payroll.
“A.J. is a pro, he’s maybe the best talent evaluator in baseball,” Kutsenda said. “We’re all accountable, we all have objectives and goals and he falls in the category, as well. We all have to accomplish our mission and serve this organization, and be accountable to each other.”
It was with Seidler’s blessing that the Padres boosted their payroll to new heights, third-highest in the majors, after making a run to the 2022 NL Championship Series.
But last season was a bitter disappointment for the Padres, who missed the playoffs with an 82-80 record.
Since then, the Padres’ payroll has taken a big hit, dropping by roughly $100 million.
San Diego traded away some of its high-priced talent, including All-Star slugger Juan Soto, signaling a cost-cutting mode.
The Padres had to pay nearly $40 million in luxury tax for their big payroll in 2023. Kutsenda said “we’ll see” when asked if he’s willing to pay tax in 2024, adding the team wasn’t necessarily done adding players through free agency.
San Diego still has a talented roster that includes six-time All-Star Manny Machado, outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, second baseman Xander Bogaerts and pitchers Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish. The club also hired veteran manager Mike Shildt to replace Bob Melvin.
The Padres have never won 90 games during Preller’s 9 1/2-year tenure.
“We’re judged what we do year in and year out,” Kutsenda said. “Yes, there’s a body of work, but we also have goals for this year. A.J’s got goals, (team president) Erik’s (Greupner) got goals, I’ve got goals, and we’re going to be judged on whether we can accomplish those goals.
“Like I said, A.J’s a pro, he’s a big part of the organization, but we’re all expected to perform at a very high level.”
Alonso: ‘Lifelong Met’
New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso says he’s envisioned being a “lifelong Met” as he enters his last year of club control.
Alonso has been one of the sport’s most prolific power hitters over the past five seasons.
He was the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year after leading the major leagues with 53 homers. He had 37 homers in 2021, 40 in 2022 and 46 in 2023, though his batting average fell to a career-low .217 last year.
Alonso said he’s open to any longterm contract discussions the Mets want to have.
“I love it here,” Alonso said. “I definitely have envisioned me being a life