With the signing of former KBO Gold Glove infielder Sung-Mun Song, the San Diego Padres added depth to their roster. Based on the experience with former Padre Ha-Seong Kim, the organization and Padres fans should not expect Song to be a starter in 2026.

Kim took a full season to fully adjust to the jump from KBO to MLB. Although the Asian leagues players and the MLB are closer together skill-wise than they used to be, there is still a gap in pitch velocity as well as movement on off-speed pitches. The offensive players have historically needed an adjustment period.

If Song is able to adjust quickly, we could see a more successful first season but keeping expectations lower would be wise. Adjusting to increased velocity as well as movement on off-speed pitches should be monitored closely as the early season progresses.

Song’s ability to spell third baseman Manny Machado and second baseman Jake Cronenworth will be mostly depend on the success of his at-bats. Manager Craig Stammen mentioned that the Padres could also use Song in the outfield. This would be explored in Spring Training, as was the case with Padres current center fielder Jackson Merrill.

While giving Padres fans early holiday gifts with signing starter Michael King and infielder Song, the Padres also added more minor league signees to add depth to the system.

Puerto Rican 3B/1B José Miranda, 27, was signed on Dec. 19 to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Miranda spent all of his career in the Minnesota Twins organization. He last played for the Twins in 2025 but was optioned to Triple-A and removed from their 40-man roster. He elected free agency in November. He played 121 games for the Twins in 2024 with a .284 batting average and .763 OPS. He finished that season with nine homers and 49 RBI.

RHP Franco, 25, signed a minor league deal with the Padres while pitching for the Jaguares de Nayarit of the Mexican Winter League. He possesses a fastball up to 100 m.p.h. and in 18 games and 23.2 innings pitching in winter ball, he has a 0.76 ERA with a 3-0 record, 14 strikeouts, two walks and seven saves.

LHP Snelton, 33, signed a minor league contract with the Padres. Nick Sanzeri (on X) shared a video with stats on Snelton while reporting his signing on Dec. 20.

RHP Dalquist, 25, was reportedly signed to a minor league contract by the Padres. He has been in Double-A Birmingham the past two seasons, playing in the Chicago White Sox organization. He had a 3.20 ERA in 2025 in 56.1 innings pitched with 50 strikeouts and 40 walks. Poor command seems to be a consistent issue for Dalquist.

RHP Medina, 21, is an international amateur sign out of Mexico for a $150,000 bonus. He sits 91-95 m.p.h. on his fastball with a slider and changeup. He could be converted to a starter and has been pitching for Jaguares de Nayarit in Mexico. Pitching as a reliever, Medina has thrown 26.1 innings in 25 games with a 3-0 record and 2.73 ERA. He has 24 strikeouts to nine walks.

Former Padres 1B/DH Ryan O’Hearn signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not surprising that the Padres couldn’t or wouldn’t match that offer.

LHP Yuki Matsui has committed to pitch for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.