Another year and another disappointing ending for the San Diego Padres.

Knowing that their window of contention may be closing, the Padres went for it at the deadline. First baseman Ryan O'Hearn, outfielder Ramon Laureano and catcher Freddy Fermin were brought in to fortify the lineup. However, the most stunning trade came when the Padres acquired pitchers Mason Miller and JP Sears from the A's, sending top prospect Leo De Vries as part of the return. Those moves were ultimately for naught as the Padres were defeated by the Cubs in the wild-card round.

The 2025-26 offseason promises to be one of transition. Manager Mike Shildt suddenly retired, resulting in an unexpected hunt for a new skipper. Pitchers Dylan Cease, Nestor Cortes, Michael King and Robert Suarez, along with infielder Luis Arraez, O'Hearn and Laureano, are expected to be free agents. The Padres have more questions than answers heading into the offseason.

1. Does Yu Darvish have anything left?

In theory, the top of the Padres' rotation should be respectable despite Cease and King likely departing in free agency. Nick Pivetta should earn some down-ballot Cy Young votes after his impressive first season in San Diego. Joe Musgrove should be ready for Opening Day and could be the second starter. However, the success of the rotation may hinge on Yu Darvish.

The 39-year-old Darvish battled injuries and inconsistency during a disappointing 2025 campaign, posting a 5.38 ERA and a 1.141 WHIP over 72 innings, striking out 68 batters with 19 walks. Darvish was particularly plagued by the long ball, allowing 14 homers to help inflate his ERA. If Darvish can return to form and be a solid third starter, the rotation should still be a solid unit. Otherwise, it may be a long season in San Diego.

2. What to do with Mason Miller?

Miller has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the past two years, posting a 2.56 ERA and a 0.892 WHIP over 126.2 innings, notching 50 saves while striking out 208 batters with 49 walks. He would be a perfect replacement for Suarez should he opt out of the final two years of his contract, giving the Padres the shutdown closer they need.

At least, that is the case in theory. General manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is reportedly considering moving Miller and fellow reliever Adrian Morejon to the rotation. Both players began their careers as starting pitchers but have found far more success in the bullpen. While the Padres may be short on starting pitching, Miller could be far more valuable in the ninth inning.

3. Can the Padres find a needed slugger for the middle of the lineup?

The Padres' lineup was middling at best in 2025, finishing 16th in the majors with a .711 OPS. That number was influenced by the Padres' ability to get on base as they finished 22nd in slugging (.390) and 28th in homers (152). O'Hearn and Laureano helped in the power department, hitting 13 homers over their two months in San Diego, but both will be entering free agency.

The Padres will have openings in left field and first base as they head into the offseason. Arraez has been a solid hitter and is a three-time batting champion, but he is not the type of player the Padres need. The Padres also have budgetary concerns, which could hamper their ability to add an impact bat. Preller may need to get creative to improve the Padres' power.