Padres' A.J. Preller Addresses Contract Extension Talks

Preller remains optimistic about reaching a new deal with Padres chairman John Seidler.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 1:47am

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Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller addressed the media on Thursday, discussing the ongoing contract extension talks between him and team chairman John Seidler. Preller expressed optimism about reaching a new deal, stating that the "intent from the organization" for him to remain with the team has not changed, despite the lack of an agreement so far. Preller also discussed the team's offseason roster moves and their goals for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Preller's contract extension has been a topic of interest around Major League Baseball, as he is widely regarded as one of the best executives in the sport. His ability to build and rebuild the Padres' roster has been a key factor in the team's recent success, including four playoff appearances in the last six seasons. Securing Preller's long-term future with the organization is crucial for the Padres as they look to continue their winning ways.

The details

Preller and Seidler are the only two people involved in the negotiations to extend Preller's contract, which is set to expire after the 2026 season. While a deal has not yet been reached, three people familiar with the process indicated that an agreement is possible by the time the Padres hold their first full-squad workout on Monday. Preller has stated that he is not concerned about being a "lame duck" and that his focus remains on building the team and preparing for the upcoming season.

  • Preller addressed the media on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The Padres are scheduled to hold their first full-squad workout on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

A.J. Preller

The Padres' president of baseball operations, who has been instrumental in the team's recent success and is in contract extension talks with the organization.

John Seidler

The Padres' team chairman, who is leading the contract extension negotiations with Preller.

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What they’re saying

“Like anything, when the time is right, the moment is right, hoping to line up on something, (that) I can have something here (and) the focus can be back on the field and go from there.”

— A.J. Preller, Padres President of Baseball Operations (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“I don't think anything has 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. Despite not having a deal, I feel like wanting to be here, the intent from the organization for me to be here, I feel like that's all the same. And I think hopefully we can line up on something.”

— A.J. Preller, Padres President of Baseball Operations (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Preller's contract extension negotiations with the Padres have been a topic of interest around MLB, as he is widely regarded as one of the best executives in the sport. Despite the lack of a deal so far, Preller remains optimistic about reaching an agreement, and the organization's intent for him to remain with the team long-term has not changed. Securing Preller's future is crucial for the Padres as they look to build on their recent success and continue competing for championships.