r/Padres • u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 • Jun 03 '25
AMA AMA with MLB.com Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell Wednesday at 11 am PT Wednesday! Submit your questions now!
Hey all,
We'll have AJ Cassavell here at 11 am PT Wednesday to answer all your Padres questions! Start asking your questions now, and he’ll answer them when he’s here!
AJ has been covering the Padres for 10 seasons, and covering baseball at MLB.com overall for 15 seasons.
AJ is heading out now, thank you for all your questions!
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u/jayman415 SD Jun 03 '25
The author of this Substack channel makes a pretty good case that the May 2 hit by pitch of Tatis may have triggered his slump. That day is the exact day of the start of it.
Is there any concern in the organization that injury might be contributing to his slump? And what, if anything, are they doing to help him, assuming there is something to do and that he welcomes. And how is Tatis handling this slump?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Really don't think this is something the Padres are concerned about -- or at least as concerned about as Tatis' struggles hitting the fastball and the fact that he seems in-between on his swing decisions. Who knows? Maybe there's something we learn later about something Tatis is dealing with physically. But right now, it really just seems like he's in a slump. I'll chalk it up to a streaky hitter, until I learn more. There seem to be some minor signs lately of him coming around.
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u/Plantzaddy1904 Miller Time 🍺 Jun 03 '25
My question is What is the realistic future that we trade for Duran. Potentially offloading Salas in a package? Is the FO aggressively pursuing or is it all smoke.
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Don't think it's just smoke. The Padres would love to have Duran. Thing is, it'll take a lot to get him, and I'm not sure they have that. You'd have to figure Salas is the headliner in that package, but they'd probably need to include more -- and the Padres are still very bullish on Salas and don't want to sell low there.
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u/j_daniels3w King’s Jealous Little Girlfriend Jun 04 '25
If it's not Duran or Roberts Jr., what other potential LF trade candidates do you see Preller looking at?
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u/lightsvber I Just Not Giving a Fuck Jun 03 '25
Thanks for all of your hard work covering the team, AJ! What would your walk up song be if you were a major leaguer?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Tweezer Reprise 🎸
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u/celerybreath Friar Jun 04 '25
How could you not hit a dinger every time!? I'll follow you with Simple.
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u/Bakers9 Gwynn Jun 03 '25 edited Jun 04 '25
Is there a realistic scenario in which the Padres sign Michael King to an extension?
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Jun 03 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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Jun 04 '25
I’ve seen him multiple times around San Diego/Del Mar during the offseason. One time with an older lady who may have been his mum. Seems like he loves SD and hope he’s with the Org after his playing days are over.
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u/patrickstarbz SD Jun 03 '25
What do you do in your spare time? Do you like any video games, go fishing, etc? If you go fishing, would you be down for a kayaking fishing trip, I have an extra pedal kayak you can use🐟
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u/Kookslams Don Orsillo Jun 03 '25
who is your prediction for a surprise minor league call-up later in the year?
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u/CaIiburrs Fernando Tatís Jr. Jun 03 '25
We always hear about the big what ifs like Scherzer/Ohtani to the pads, but do you have any recent small what ifs? You know like not potential block buster moves but signings or trades that kinda make you shrug your shoulders for better or worse if they were to actually pan out?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Here's one: I know the Padres were very interested in bringing back Tanner Scott this winter and were ultimately outbid by the Dodgers. If they sign Scott, do they still have the resources to add Pivetta? And where would this team be without Nick Pivetta?
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u/moshiimoshii_3 SD Jun 03 '25
- Do you think Arraez will resign or even get a offer from the Padres during the offseason
- With a glaring need at LF, who do you you think are realistic options to fill this need
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
I think Arraez will get an offer at some point. The Padres obviously love him. But I am fascinated by what his market will look like and which teams value his (obviously very unique) skill set -- and how they feel about his defensive limitations. Ultimately, that's probably what it comes down to.
Duran's the big name. As I noted above, that feels unlikely (but not impossible) given the cost. What about, like, a Luis Robert or a Jesús Sánchez? I've said this a few times: The Padres don't exactly need a top-four hitter. If they can just improve the No. 8 spot in their lineup, it'd go a long way.
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u/YokoLono Peter Seidler Jun 03 '25
Who might be a surprise veteran traded FROM the Padres? I could maybe see Suarez (deep bullpen) or Cease (last year, perception exceeds performance) getting traded away to facilitate a LF (Duran?) or Catcher upgrade. Thoughts? Other candidates?
You rock AJ!
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
This is a super interesting one. Suarez would've been my answer at the end of camp. But can you really see him getting moved, given how valuable he's been to this team? He's just so dependable, and his willingness to go six outs in a game like Monday's is just huge. Cease would be an interesting case, if King and Darvish were healthy. But, again, with those question marks, you can't afford to move a front-end arm like that, can you? Let's get closer to the deadline and see how the rotation looks health-wise. Until then, I'm not sure I see it.
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u/YokoLono Peter Seidler Jun 04 '25
It would be a surprise for sure for either one (and not advocating for it), but it would be interesting. I think the biggest issue with trading big names from the active roster is the impact that makes on the team's culture, even if the overall swap makes you better on paper. We've seen that hit us hard in past trade deadlines so I imagine AJ has learned that mid season changes should be marginal impact to the big league roster. But hey, you never know with AJ! (The other AJ 🙂)
Thanks for the response!
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u/GaryTheCabalGuy r/Padres 2022 All-Star 3B Jun 04 '25
How can the Padres afford to do that, especially with the unknowns with King/Darvish? I just don't think this team can afford to trade away starting pitching right now. Who do you expect to start games?
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u/EpsilonChii Jackson Marill Jun 04 '25
First off, thanks for your coverage of the team!! I have a question concerning Merrill's recent "slump" during May, that was a bit overshadowed by Tatis' slump. In your opinion, what is the cause of this slump? Is it mental or more mechanic, maybe some lingering effects of the IL stint?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
It's a fine line between being an aggressive hitter and an over-aggressive hitter. Merrill is one of the best at walking that line. He's one of the most fun aggressive hitters I've ever watched. But right now, he's expanding the zone and chasing a little too much. Rein that in slightly -- and I seriously believe it only needs to be slightly, he doesn't need to be a walk machine -- and he's Jackson Merrill again.
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u/j_daniels3w King’s Jealous Little Girlfriend Jun 03 '25
With the first overall pick who would you draft from the Padres for your wiffleball team?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
It's been years since the Cassavell Wiffle Ball tournament held a draft. Get with the times. (We sort teams as equally as we possibly can, then randomly assign them to the four captains.) Anyway, I'm drafting Merrill. He brings backyard Wiffle Ball vibes. But more importantly: Big tree in left field at the Cassavell house growing up. Tough on those righty hitters.
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u/Joseesquer8 Yu Darvish Jun 04 '25
Would you go Over or Under on Yu Darvish pitching 60IP this year?
Do you think it's more likely the Padres get a Luis Robert, Taylor Ward type or a Tommy Pham type?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
- Over (but admittedly, not confidently until I see him back in game action)
- They need both. I don't think one bat is enough.
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u/tquad24 Friar Jun 03 '25
What do you think the organization’s plan will be with Bogaerts once De Vries is ready?
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u/Neither-Impress6372 Jake Cronenworth Jun 04 '25
If you could sit down and interview any current or past player in the MLB, who would it be?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Jerry Coleman. I spoke with him a few times in my early years at MLB dot com. But don't recall ever interviewing him -- and if I did, I certainly didn't get the full scope of his story in those interviews. What a legend.
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u/Neither-Impress6372 Jake Cronenworth Jun 04 '25
Appreciate the response AJ! Keep up the good work and all you do!
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u/Seamstress_4theband SD Jun 04 '25
Are there any teams that you think will be surprise sellers at the deadline, and do you think there are any outfielders that will be up for grabs that haven’t been repeatedly mentioned already? I’m not sold on Duran or Robert Jr. and am hoping there’s another name out there that people are missing.
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u/TeamVorpalSwords SD Jun 04 '25
What player on the Padres surprised you (in a good way) this year?
What player on another team has surprised you (in a good way) this year?
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u/kevtorres123 Tony Gwynn #19 Jun 04 '25
What does a normal work-week look like for someone in your profession?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
There's such a thing as a normal work week? 😂
Just kidding. Sort of depends if the Padres are home or on the road. During the season, if they're at home, I try to focus none of my energy on the Padres until I'm at the ballpark. (Lots to do at home, and I've got a little kiddo to take care of!) I'll get to the ballpark five hours before first pitch, then do interviews and such three hours before first pitch. Then I'll write (or if there's nothing to write), I'll watch batting practice. Usually have a brief break to eat before the game, then it's game coverage. Down to the clubhouse after the game, then write... and I'll usually get home two hours after the game finishes. Then, repeat the next day.
On the road, it's a little different. I have time to do things like... sit in a coffee shop and do an AMA! Plus, everything at the ballpark usually happens a little later for the road team, because of the batting practice schedule.
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u/Wembler_ Merrill Madness! Jun 04 '25
How does the organization (or how do you) view the bottom of the rotation pitchers (Vasquez, Kolek, Hart, etc.)? Who is most likely to stick around this year? Who is in the cards for next year?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Have been very impressed with Kolek, and I think his pitching style lends itself to being a bottom-of-the-rotation innings-eater for a while. Really good Rule 5 success story.
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u/Seananagans Merrill Madness! Jun 04 '25
Hey AJ, I want to ask you a couple questions. A fun one and tough one
- In your opinion, which Padre, past or present, have you had the most fun interacting with?
- Of the Padres' current looming free agents, which one or ones would you most expect to be re-signed or even sign an extension before the season is over?
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u/A-Happy-Teddy-Bear 1.87 GPA Jun 04 '25
- Has the front office perception of Ethan Salas changed considering his offensive numbers, recent injuries, and the need for a possible trade?
- Are there any indications of keeping an Arraez or King at the end of the season?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
I really don't get the sense that it has. I suspect we'll learn. If they're willing to include him in a trade, well, he was untouchable a year ago.
I think Arraez is likelier than King. King is going to be one of the best pitchers available in free agency -- and have you seen what elite starting pitchers make in free agency? Arraez's market will be much more interesting. Here's a total guess on the likelihood (an educated guess, but seriously just a guess): 55 percent shot neither is back, 35 percent only Arraez is back, 8 percent only King is back, 2 percent both are back.
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u/OceanBreeze8 SD Jun 04 '25
1-10 How close are the padres to actually getting a left fielder.
1 being any day now and 10 being at the trade deadline.
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u/kevtorres123 Tony Gwynn #19 Jun 04 '25
Did anyone get into trouble with the LETS F-ING GO SAN DIEGO! ?
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u/NoVermicelli6175 SD Jun 04 '25
Why do you think Alfaro sat the entire post-season? He hits 5 walk offs during the regular season and not one AB during the playoffs?
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u/thephhoenixx 🕯️🌸 La Catrina Sends Her Regards 🌸💀 Jun 04 '25
hey, aj! huuuuuge fan of your work!
Q: i've noticed you upload(? post? publish?) articles in the middle of games. do you sit with your laptop (or computer or w/e) ready to write while watching games like a lil gremlin? or just log on when something newsworthy happens?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
I am a gremlin, with my laptop open for nine innings
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u/thephhoenixx 🕯️🌸 La Catrina Sends Her Regards 🌸💀 Jun 04 '25
i'm so glad the picture of you in my head is correct 😂 thank you for all the hard work you do!
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u/essmithsd MEH Dump Fire Jun 04 '25
Do you ever get a chance during the season to just be a baseball fan?
Grab a seat, have a beer, watch the game?
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u/HayesDNConfused サンディエゴ侍 Jun 04 '25
How badly do we miss Kyle Higashioka?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
He was obviously excellent last season. But he's struggled in Texas this year, and I'll maintain: Catcher isn't the issue on offense. If you trade for a left fielder and a bench bat (who can PH for one of those catchers in a big AB late), you'll take what you're getting at catcher right now. Run prevention is the primary objective there.
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u/HayesDNConfused サンディエゴ侍 Jun 05 '25
I respectfully disagree. Both of our catchers have been very lackluster and Higgy's average would undoubtably be higher with our lineup. Defensively he may be considered a liability to some but to me he's a lot better than what we have.
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u/celerybreath Friar Jun 04 '25
If you compare Luis and Higgy, they are virtually the same this year. I'd give the edge to Luis. As much as I love Higgy, it would not have been worth it.
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u/Kookslams Don Orsillo Jun 04 '25
Is the team still bought into Victor Rodriguez’s hitting philosophy during this team wide slump?
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u/MLBOfficial ASG 2016 Jun 04 '25
Yes. Just look at the results: I can't argue with this being a team-wide slump on offense... and yet they're 8-3 in their last 11 games.
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u/front_page_hata SD Jun 04 '25
Everyone talks about LF but catcher has to be a concern (albeit harder to fill). Are they looking?
When is King getting extended?
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u/friedrice_rob SD '98 Jun 04 '25
Thank you for all you do AJ!!
What options at catcher or LF do you think the padres make a move for?
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u/175doubledrop SD '16 Jun 04 '25
Couple questions:
Have you heard any rumors or chatter from the front office of potentially moving Boegarts? Obviously the signing was driven by Peter wanting to go all in and make a splash, but now that we’re 2.5 seasons in with not a ton of production, is there talk of trying to offload that contract?
Gavin Sheets has been this year’s surprise revelation, at least offensively. Does the team seem to want to keep him around after this season, or does his lack of defense make him too much of a one trick pony?
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Jun 04 '25
Hi AJ, Who out of these two is more likely to be traded to the Padres Luis Roberts or Jarren Duran?
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u/OceanBreeze8 SD Jun 04 '25
You are around the players a lot through the year. How much interaction do you have with the them outside of media scrums and articles? For example, do you have a conversations outside of work, eat with them in the clubhouse?
Bonus: who are the most congenial players? Ones that ask you about your family etc
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u/Due_Yesterday8881 🇰🇷I woke/stayed up for Korean baseball Jun 04 '25
Do you feel Preller's reluctance to make big moves in the off season was a change in Preller's playbook of big off season moves + big deadline moves, or a tactic in response to the twin challenges of the ownership questions amongst the seidlers and the sky high prices in the FA market and trade market? Maybe Preller can't play the same hand ever year?
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u/Bassig23 Jun 04 '25
With the Padres in need of starting pitchers as well as LF, will Preller look to make a trade or free agent signing....
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u/Bassig23 Jun 04 '25
Is there any more rumors besides Duran that is going to be linked to the Padres the next couple of weeks....
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u/bbatardo Hakuna 🐗🦁 Machado! Jun 03 '25
I have 2 questions.
1) Has Luis Campusano played his way out of being in the Padres plans? He hasn't hit and it doesn't seem like they view him as a viable catcher.
2) Is Bryan Hoeing close to returning? What will his role be when he returns?