Padres Roundup, Oct 29: Padres Prospects in AFL, Offseason Moves, 2026 Breakouts

[Padres Mission]

Here is some of the latest Padres analysis from around the internet. The roundup covers Padres prospects in the Arizona Fall League, Randy Vasquez's breakout season, Freddy Fermin's defensive strengths and offensive struggles, the team's financial challenges, and potential NPB signing Carter Stewart Jr.

• These Padres prospects have been standouts in the Arizona Fall League (MLB.com). Notes three Padres prospects excelling in the Arizona Fall League: Alex McCoy (.989 OPS, 4 HRs), Francis Peña (3.05 ERA, 6 AFL outings without an earned run), and Justin DeCriscio (.356 OBP, versatile defender).
• Padres offseason primer: Lockout looms as baseball gets back to business (San Diego Union-Tribune $$$). Notes the Padres' potential challenges in the looming lockout, highlighting key free agents like Michael King and Ty France, and long-term financial commitments including Manny Machado's $40 million salary in 2027.
• Good Morning San Diego: A closer look at Padres’ Randy Vasquez breakout season (Gaslamp Ball). Notes Randy Vasquez's 2026 breakout season with a 10-6 record, 3.90 ERA, 14.8% strikeout rate, and 6.3% walk rate, driven by improved control and a shift to high-velocity four-seam fastballs and a dominant sinker.
• The Defense-Only Backstop (Gaslamp Ball). Argues that Freddy Fermin's defensive skills are elite but his offensive decline in 2026, including a .203 batting average and .589 OPS, undermines his value as a catcher, despite strong defensive metrics like seventh in NL pop time and third in Fielding Run Value.
• How much spending room do the Padres have to get this offseason right? (Friars on Base). Notes the Padres' limited financial flexibility this offseason, citing a projected 2027 payroll of $193 million and a luxury tax threshold of $215.4 million, with the actual spending room dependent on new ownership's budget decisions and potential player departures like Michael King.
• NPB’s Carter Stewart Jr fits 2027 Padres’ rotation needs (East Village Times). Notes that the Padres may pursue NPB pitcher Carter Stewart Jr. as a potential rotation addition for 2027, citing his 2024 performance (1.95 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 105 strikeouts in 120 innings) and his unique blend of American and Japanese pitching techniques, despite injury concerns and inconsistent 2025-2026 seasons.