Padres GM Confirms Commitment to Star Duo
General manager A.J. Preller says the San Diego Padres have no intention of trading stars Manny Machado or Fernando Tatis Jr.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Baseball
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San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller confirmed that the club plans to keep core stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. following the team's postseason exit. Preller emphasized that the organization views the pair as the foundational members of the current team.
Why it matters
The decision clarifies the team's direction after the Padres were eliminated from the playoffs by the Milwaukee Brewers. It ensures the organization remains centered on the two stars who have anchored the lineup since 2019.
Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. have combined for 401 home runs and 1,198 RBIs since 2019. Collectively, they have earned seven All-Star appearances, five Silver Sluggers, two Gold Gloves, and two Platinum Gloves.
The players
A.J. Preller
He serves as the general manager of the San Diego Padres and is responsible for all player personnel decisions for the organization.
Manny Machado
A veteran third baseman who signed a long-term contract extension with the Padres in 2023.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
An outfielder for the San Diego Padres who is currently 27 years old.
The details
In an interview with Mike Rodriguez, A.J. Preller stated the team will not trade the duo, whose current contracts run through 2033 for Machado and 2034 for Tatis Jr. The confirmation follows a season where San Diego defeated the Chicago Cubs 12-1 in the Wild Card series.
Timeline
2019: Machado and Tatis Jr. began leading the Padres.
2023: Manny Machado signed a contract extension.
October 2026: The Padres were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers.
2033: Year Manny Machado's contract concludes.
2034: Year Fernando Tatis Jr.'s contract concludes.
Season Trajectory
This commitment signals that the Padres are prioritizing long-term continuity over a roster overhaul after their postseason loss. It keeps two of the highest-valued players in the sport as the central figures for the upcoming years.
With both stars confirmed to remain in San Diego, the team's payroll and long-term roster construction will continue to be anchored by their combined $810 million contract obligations. This stability provides clarity for fans and team personnel as they prepare for the next season.
The takeaway
Maintaining the core duo allows the Padres to build a long-term identity around two of the most productive players in recent seasons. Fans can look forward to continued consistency in the team's primary lineup composition for the foreseeable future.
Further reading
For more news on the organization, visit the San Diego Baseball section.
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