San Diego slipped a super-utility veteran into the mix on a minor-league deal, and his ability to play almost everywhere could turn a “quiet” move into a loud statement by March.
If there’s one thing A.J. Preller has never been shy about, it’s stockpiling options on the margins of the roster. The Padres’ stars are locked in, the payroll picture is complicated, and the path to impact upgrades isn’t always straightforward. That makes these smaller moves matter more than people want to admit.