Padres Spring Training: WBC Impact & Preller Trade Rumors

Spring Training is less than a week away for the San Diego Padres, and once again it will not be a normal preseason in Peoria, Ariz. The time has come once again for the World Baseball Classic, and for the Padres players competing for their respective countries, they will have a disrupted Spring Training schedule – starting in Peoria, then moving onto their national teams, and returning upon the conclusion of their WBC runs.

Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball provides a breakdown of what Padres fans can expect this spring, including a comment from veteran Jake Cronenworth, who indicated that some San Diego players intend to report to camp early to maximize bonding time before WBC participants depart.

The Padres front office, led by General Manager A.J. Preller, faces continued scrutiny as the team prepares for the 2026 season. While Preller has earned the moniker “Rockstar GM” in the past, fans are divided on whether he will make a significant roster move before Spring Training begins. A recent survey on Gaslamp Ball revealed that 49 percent of respondents believe Preller will make an impactful addition to the team before camp breaks.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune outlined several possibilities facing the Padres over the next six weeks, including a potential new contract for Preller, the search for a fifth starting pitcher, and the ongoing possibility of a sale of the franchise. The potential sale of the club appears to be gaining momentum, with reports suggesting bids could arrive by the end of February.

On the field, the Padres are preparing for a Spring Training impacted by the World Baseball Classic. Eight Padres players have been selected to participate in the tournament, representing the United States, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Japan, and Italy. Those players are Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Wandy Peralta, Ron Marinaccio, and Alek Jacob. Three minor league players – Carlton Loewen, Miguel Cienfuegos, and Josh Mallitz – will participate, as will special assistant Mark Loretta, who has been named the third base coach for Team Israel.

The disruption caused by the WBC is a familiar challenge for the Padres. The team will play an exhibition game against Team Great Britain on March 4 in Peoria, as part of the WBC exhibition schedule.

Beyond the Padres’ preparations, the baseball world mourned the recent passing of former Kansas City Royals speedster Terrance Gore, who died at the age of 34. Gore was a World Series champion with the Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves during his eight-year career.

A recent development saw infielder Will Wagner switch his jersey number from 24 to seven, clearing the way for new Korean star Sung-Mon Song to wear No. 24. Song joined the Padres this offseason on a four-year, $15 million deal. Wagner will hope to find more success with No. 7, after a challenging 2025 season split between Triple-A and the majors with the Blue Jays and Padres. In 176 minor league at-bats last year, he hit five home runs with a 98 wRC+, while struggling in 149 MLB at-bats, failing to hit a home run and posting a 78 wRC+.

The number seven was last worn by Jose Iglesias in 2025, who produced a 73 wRC+. The Padres giving up his number suggests a reunion with last season’s utility man is unlikely. Song, meanwhile, arrives with high expectations after two strong seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization.