Padres Extend GM Preller's Contract

Padres Chairman John Seidler announces multiyear extension for team's president of baseball operations.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have agreed to a multiyear contract extension with president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller, Chairman John Seidler announced on Monday. Preller, who originally joined the Padres in 2014, has overseen the team's return to the playoffs in four of the last six seasons and consecutive 90-win campaigns.

Why it matters

Preller's contract extension signals the Padres' commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in their baseball operations leadership as they look to build on their recent success and end the franchise's World Series drought.

The details

Under Preller's guidance, the Padres have made significant investments in elite talent, acquiring marquee free agents like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts while also executing high-profile trades for players such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Yu Darvish. The team has also developed a strong pipeline of homegrown talent through the amateur and international scouting departments.

  • Preller originally joined the Padres as Executive Vice President/General Manager on August 6, 2014.
  • Preller was promoted to his current position of President of Baseball Operations in February 2021.
  • The Padres have made the postseason in four of the last six seasons (2020, 2022, 2024-25) under Preller's leadership.

The players

A.J. Preller

The Padres' president of baseball operations and general manager, who has overseen the team's return to the playoffs and consecutive 90-win seasons.

John Seidler

The Padres' chairman, who announced Preller's multiyear contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“A.J.'s skill and relentless commitment to winning have positioned the Padres for sustained success, and we are pleased to extend his contract.”

— John Seidler, Padres Chairman (mlb.com)

“I'm incredibly grateful to John, Erik Greupner and our ownership group for their continued trust in me and the vision we have for this organization. San Diego is a special place, and I'm proud of the progress we've made over the last decade while knowing there's still more work to be done. I'm excited for the Padres' future and fully committed to bringing a championship to our fans and this city.”

— A.J. Preller, Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Padres will look to build on their recent success and make another push for the franchise's first World Series championship under Preller's continued leadership.

The takeaway

Preller's contract extension solidifies the Padres' commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in their baseball operations as they seek to build a perennial contender and end their World Series drought.