The San Diego Padres enter this offseason with numerous issues to resolve. Their rotation is especially vulnerable, as Dylan Cease and Michael King are both free agents, and Yu Darvish is expected to miss the entire 2026 campaign after undergoing elbow surgery. Because of these setbacks, the team is likely to pursue at least one or two starters aggressively in the coming months.
However, pitching is not the Padres’ only area in need of improvement. The roster could benefit from added power at first base and in the designated hitter spot, and the catching group would be stronger with additional depth. With so many questions to address, the club’s overall approach during the winter will be worth watching closely. The situation becomes even more intriguing given that the Seidler family may consider selling the organization, potentially influencing how the front office operates.
Padres projected to bolster lineup by adding this well-decorated slugger
Although most fans are focused on the pitching market, the Padres might shift direction and secure a prominent slugger to handle the vacancy at first base. According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, San Diego could end up making a notable international addition by bringing in Kazuma Okamoto.
Reuter points out that “Much of the attention on the international market has gone to Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai, but corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto also has impact potential. The 29-year-old had six straight 30-homer seasons for the Yomiuri Giants, and is a career .274/.355/.501 hitter with 277 long balls in 11 seasons.”
In Japan, Okamoto is highly regarded and has built an impressive résumé since debuting in 2015. He has earned six NPB All-Star selections and claimed the Central League Climax Series MVP honor. His list of achievements also includes leading the Central League in home runs three times and in runs batted in twice. Additionally, he has won the Mitsui Golden Glove Award on two occasions, showing that his value extends well beyond his bat.
Okamoto’s combination of offensive power and reliable defense could make him an appealing fit for San Diego’s needs. If Luis Arraez chooses to explore other opportunities in free agency, Okamoto would provide a strong alternative capable of stabilizing the position both at the plate and in the field. His track record suggests he could transition effectively to MLB competition, and his presence would give the Padres the kind of middle-of-the-order production they have been seeking.
While the Padres will certainly be active in the search for pitching, adding an accomplished slugger like Okamoto could help diversify their offseason strategy. Strengthening the lineup would ease pressure on a potentially thin rotation, offering more balance throughout the roster. With numerous challenges to address and uncertainty surrounding ownership, San Diego’s decisions in the coming months could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.