Padres' A.J. Preller on potential extension: 'We're either going to do it or not'

Preller says the prospect of a new Padres owner later this year isn't holding up contract talks.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 2:07pm

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San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said he is still hoping to reach an agreement on a contract extension that would keep him with the team beyond the 2026 season, despite the widely expected change in Padres ownership later this year. Preller downplayed the impact of a potential new owner, saying the conversations with current chairman John Seidler have remained consistent and that they will either reach a deal or they won't.

Why it matters

Preller has been a key figure in the Padres' recent success, leading the team to the playoffs four times in the last six years. His contract status has been a lingering issue, and the potential ownership change adds another layer of uncertainty. Resolving Preller's future is crucial for the Padres as they look to build on their recent accomplishments and make another push for the World Series.

The details

Preller, who was hired as Padres general manager in 2014, is in the final year of a contract awarded to him by the late Padres owner Peter Seidler. The Padres have begun exploring a potential sale, and the Seidler family has resolved a fight over control of the franchise. Preller and team chairman John Seidler have yet to find common ground on the terms of a possible long-term deal for Preller.

  • Preller's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.
  • The Padres' sale process has gained momentum, with initial bids due near the end of February 2026.

The players

A.J. Preller

The president of baseball operations for the San Diego Padres, who has led the team to the playoffs four times in the last six years.

John Seidler

The chairman of the San Diego Padres, who has been involved in the contract extension negotiations with Preller.

Peter Seidler

The late owner of the San Diego Padres, who originally awarded Preller's contract.

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What they’re saying

“When the time's right, the moment's right, hoping to line up on something, hoping to have something here that, you know, the focus can be back on the field.”

— A.J. Preller, President of Baseball Operations

“I don't think anything's changed from that standpoint. The conversations I have with John, I think the same sentiments we've had really throughout the whole offseason — I think that hasn't changed at all.”

— A.J. Preller, President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

The Padres' sale process is expected to continue, with initial bids due near the end of February 2026. Preller and the Padres will need to resolve his contract status before the start of the 2026 season, either reaching an extension or parting ways.

The takeaway

Preller's future with the Padres is a crucial storyline as the team looks to build on its recent success and make another push for the World Series. The potential ownership change adds an extra layer of uncertainty, but Preller seems determined to work out a deal to remain in San Diego if the 'moment's right.'