As the Major League Baseball offseason continues to reshape the competitive landscape, the San Diego Padres find themselves carefully observing a rapidly improving National League playoff picture.

Across the league, several NL contenders have made aggressive moves to strengthen their rosters, signaling a clear intention to widen the gap between themselves and teams still navigating roster uncertainty.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs have all improved significantly on paper since the conclusion of last season.

Each of those teams addressed clear weaknesses through high-profile acquisitions, depth signings, or strategic trades, placing added pressure on San Diego to avoid falling behind in an increasingly competitive National League race.

By contrast, the Padres’ offseason activity has been notably restrained, with few impactful roster additions that would dramatically alter their projected standing entering the upcoming season.

Outside of re-signing Michael King and securing South Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song on a four-year contract, San Diego has largely remained on the sidelines while rivals aggressively upgraded.

Those moves, while valuable, have not generated the same league-wide buzz as the blockbuster transactions completed by other playoff-caliber organizations.

The Padres’ front office has instead emphasized internal stability and continuity, placing confidence in the existing core that has already demonstrated postseason potential.

Adding to the intrigue, Craig Stammen now takes over managerial duties, stepping into a role that carries both high expectations and significant pressure.

Stammen’s primary objective is clear: keep the Padres positioned as legitimate World Series contenders while navigating roster limitations and strategic constraints.

On paper, San Diego still possesses enough star power to dream of its first-ever championship, but translating that potential into consistent regular-season success remains a formidable challenge.

Among the most pressing issues facing the Padres is the unresolved situation at first base, a position that has lacked long-term clarity within the organization.

Currently, Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets are capable of handling first base duties, but neither represents the ideal solution the Padres envision for the position.

Cronenworth, in particular, is viewed as the team’s starting second baseman, valued for his versatility and ability to shift to first or even shortstop when necessary.

However, relying on Cronenworth at first base on a regular basis could weaken the infield’s overall balance, particularly given his importance at second base.

Gavin Sheets, meanwhile, is better suited to serve as a designated hitter, where his offensive profile can be maximized without the defensive demands of first base.

San Diego’s preference is clear: keep Sheets at DH and acquire a first baseman who offers stronger offensive production and lineup stability.

That search for offensive reinforcement has led industry insiders to speculate about potential trade targets who fit both the Padres’ financial constraints and roster needs.

One such name recently surfaced through veteran MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, who suggested an intriguing, albeit unconventional, option.

Rosenthal floated the possibility of the Padres exploring interest in Nick Castellanos, noting that a deal could be feasible if both sides find common ground.

Castellanos, while primarily known as an outfielder, has reportedly been taking ground balls and experimenting with first base during offseason workouts.

That positional flexibility could prove appealing to San Diego, particularly as they seek cost-effective solutions rather than high-priced long-term commitments.

“The Padres are looking for a right-handed bat, and they are looking for one who will be inexpensive,” Rosenthal explained when discussing the potential fit.

He added that Castellanos’ willingness to train at first base aligns with one of San Diego’s most pressing roster needs entering the season.

From a statistical standpoint, Castellanos’ most recent campaign did little to inspire confidence, at least on the surface.

In 147 games last season, the 33-year-old posted a .250 batting average, a .694 OPS, and finished with a -1.0 WAR, marking a down year by his standards.

Those numbers stand in stark contrast to earlier seasons in which Castellanos established himself as one of the more reliable offensive contributors in the league.

Age and declining defensive metrics have become growing concerns, raising questions about how much upside remains in his bat moving forward.

That said, context matters, and Castellanos has historically performed far better against left-handed pitching than right-handers.

For a Padres team seeking situational offense, that split could open the door to a platoon arrangement rather than an everyday role.

In such a scenario, Castellanos could complement Gavin Sheets, allowing San Diego to maximize matchups while limiting exposure against unfavorable pitching.

Alternatively, if the Padres believe Castellanos can rediscover his form, they could deploy him more regularly in the lineup.

Financial considerations will likely play a decisive role in determining whether serious talks materialize.

San Diego has shown reluctance to absorb large contracts this offseason, making cost efficiency a key factor in any potential deal.

Castellanos’ contract situation and willingness to adapt to a new role could ultimately determine his viability as a Padres target.

Beyond individual performance, the broader issue remains whether incremental moves will be enough to keep pace with an improved National League field.

The Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Cubs have all raised their competitive ceilings, leaving little margin for error among teams chasing playoff positioning.

For the Padres, standing pat carries its own risks, particularly in a division where elite talent is becoming increasingly concentrated.

At the same time, overcommitting to short-term fixes could compromise long-term flexibility, a balance Stammen and the front office must carefully manage.

Internally, the Padres still believe their core group is capable of competing at the highest level when healthy and performing at peak efficiency.

Players like Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado remain central to that belief, serving as foundational pieces around which the roster is built.

However, baseball’s long season often exposes depth issues, and unresolved questions at first base could resurface at inopportune moments.

The potential addition of Castellanos, while not a headline-grabbing move, represents the type of calculated gamble the Padres may be willing to take.

It reflects a broader strategy focused on marginal gains rather than dramatic overhauls, trusting that internal improvements can offset external spending gaps.

As spring training approaches, San Diego’s front office will continue evaluating options, weighing trade discussions against the possibility of internal solutions.

Whether Castellanos becomes a serious target or merely a speculative idea, his name underscores the Padres’ ongoing search for affordable offensive upgrades.

For now, the Padres remain in a delicate position, balancing ambition with restraint as the National League arms race intensifies.

Their next move, or lack thereof, may ultimately define whether this roster takes a meaningful step forward or risks being overtaken by rapidly evolving rivals.

And as the offseason winds down, the pressure to act grows louder, leaving San Diego with critical decisions that could shape their championship aspirations for years to come.