San Diego Padres Extend A.J. Preller Through 2022
By David Hill
The San Diego Padres have extended general manager A.J. Preller, locking him in through the 2022 campaign.
It is not that long ago that A.J. Preller’s future with the San Diego Padres was in question. He had been suspended back in September 2016 for failing to disclose medical information on Drew Pomeranz, sending damaged goods to the Boston Red Sox. There were questions as to whether or not Preller’s job would be safe when he returned from suspension, and whether or not any other teams would trust him in regards to trades.
Instead, Preller weathered the storm. After his failed attempt to make the Padres an instant contender in 2015, he has built up one of the top farm systems in the game. Players like Fernando Tatis Jr, Anderson Espinoza, and MacKenzie Gore have entered the system under his watch. it may take some time, but the Padres have a bright future.
Now, the Preller is getting some added security to his tenure. Already on a contract through 2019, Preller has been given a three year extension. Now, he is locked in through 2022, as the Padres are making certain that manager Andy Green and Preller remain for the next few years.
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This extension shows that Preller has once again earned the trust of the franchise. After his previous transgressions, the front office was reportedly split on retaining his services. The past year has obviously changed those thoughts, as Preller now has the full support of ownership.
With his extension, along with Green being signed through 2021, the Padres are finding stability. At a time when other franchises have had a great deal of turnover, the Padres are keeping the same voices in place. In doing so, and allowing their vision to come to fruition, the Padres could be setting themselves up for long term success.
San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller is locked in through 2022. Considering how tenuous his time with the Padres was in 2016, this stability has to be welcome.