Hot Stove League Review: Padres

With a farm system cranking out exciting young players and the signing of an elite free agent, the Padres were expected to make some noise in the NL West in 2019.  Instead, they limped home in last place in the NL West.  AJ Preller has been in the GM chair now long enough for Padres ownership to expect to see some return on their investments.  2020 is likely a make or break year for AJ Preller and his job.  Let's look at the offseason moves Preller made to try to take the Padres to the next level.

Free Agents Lost:  None.

Free Agents Signed:  Drew Pomeranz(LHP-4 years), Pierce Johnson(RHP), Craig Stammen(RHP- re-signed).

Trades:  Acquired Zach Davies(RHP) and Trent Grisham(OF) from the Brewers for Luis Urias(IF) and Eric Lauer(LHP).  Acquired Jurickson Profar(IF) from the A's for Austin Allen(C).  Acquired Tommy Pham(OF) and Jake Cronenworth(SS) from the Rays for Hunter Renfroe(OF) and Xavier Edwards(SS) and a PTBNL.  Acquired Emilio Pagan(RHP) from the Rays for Manuel Margot(OF) and Logan Driscoll(C/OF).

Retired:  Ian Kinsler(2B).

Minor League Free Agents:  Abraham Almonte(OF), Jerad Eickhoff(RHP), Gordon Beckham(IF), Juan Lagares(OF), Daniell Camarena(RHP), Brian Dozier(2B).

Summary:  4 years for Drew Pomeranz is an almost laughable overpay.  Profar is coming off a rough season and needs a big bounceback.  Zach Davies can eat innings, but is not the ace this rotation desperately needs.  Tommy Pham might be a better all-around player than Hunter Renfroe, but does not have Renfroe's freakish power.  A very odd Hot Stove performance for a GM in the hot seat with a team that has expectations of contending.  Oh, and he's still stuck with Wil Myers and his contract.

Grade:  D.