Here's a breakdown of the offseason decisions awaiting general manager A.J. Preller.
Biggest needs
1. Shortstop
Shortstop has been atop the Padres' wish list for most of the past 10 offseasons. Erick Aybar served valiantly as a stopgap in 2017, but he's a free agent, and San Diego will almost certainly look to make an external acquisition. With No. 4 prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. nearing the Majors, the Padres won't bet the farm in the trade market -- meaning once again, they'll be looking for an experienced veteran who can man the position in the short term.