Padres Extend GM AJ Preller Amid Flurry of Big Offseason Moves

Preller's contract extension caps a busy offseason for the San Diego Padres, including the team's sale and several high-profile player signings.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have extended the contract of general manager AJ Preller, capping off a busy offseason that has seen the team undergo a sale to new ownership, sign free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos, re-sign star third baseman Manny Machado, and make other significant moves to bolster their pitching staff and lineup.

Why it matters

Preller's extension signals the Padres' commitment to their current leadership and direction, providing stability as the team looks to build on recent success and compete for a World Series championship. The Padres' offseason moves have positioned them as a potential powerhouse in the National League, making them a team to watch heading into the 2026 season.

The details

The Padres have been one of the most active teams this offseason, making a series of high-profile moves to improve their roster. In addition to extending Preller, the team has signed free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos to a long-term deal, re-signed star third baseman Manny Machado, and made several trades and signings to bolster their pitching staff and lineup.

  • The Padres extended GM AJ Preller's contract on February 15, 2026.
  • The Padres signed free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos earlier this offseason.
  • The Padres re-signed star third baseman Manny Machado to a long-term deal this offseason.

The players

AJ Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres, who has overseen the team's recent roster overhaul and has now been extended by the organization.

Nick Castellanos

A free agent outfielder who the Padres signed to a long-term contract this offseason to bolster their lineup.

Manny Machado

The star third baseman for the Padres, who the team re-signed to a long-term deal this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Suddenly the Mets look like a possible trade partner. Would they take on one of the Padres' bloated contracts?”

— Darnay Tripp, NBC Sports San Diego Contributor (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

The Padres will look to build on their busy offseason and compete for a World Series championship in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Padres' extension of GM AJ Preller and their aggressive offseason moves demonstrate the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster and maintaining stability in the front office. With their improved lineup and pitching staff, the Padres are poised to be one of the top contenders in the National League in 2026.