If you ever need a reminder that A.J. Preller treats the pitching market like an all-you-can-eat buffet with no closing time, Dec. 23 delivered a fresh example. The San Diego Padres signed left-hander DJ Snelten to a minor-league deal, per Ari Alexander of WHDH 7News in Boston — and the hook is exactly the kind of hook Preller can’t resist.

Snelten is 33. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018. And yet, this offseason he reportedly touched triple digits in a throwing session, including 102.7 mph in a bullpen session while consistently sitting around 99. Some could legitimately question if the radar gun accidentally switched to kilometers.

A.J. Preller adds DJ Snelten as Padres bet on a flamethrowing comeback

However, essentially it sounds like the Padres found their version of a muscle car hidden under a tarp in someone’s garage. It might not start. It might backfire spectacularly. But if it turns over? Buddy, it’s going to turn heads.

Snelten’s big league resume is thin. In his one major league stint in 2018, Snelten pitched 4 1/3 innings. He struck out four and posted a 10.38 ERA (that’s “cup of coffee” status, where the “cup” gets knocked over before you sit down).

DJ Snelten has been signed.#Padres are in agreement on a minor league deal with 33-year-old LHP DJ Snelten, a league source tells me.

Snelten, who last pitched in the Majors in 2018, recently touched 102.7 mph in a bullpen and has consistently sat 99 mph this offseason.… https://t.co/6gixsTrpOh

— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) December 23, 2025

Since then, Snelten has traveled; he spent some time in the Mexican League in 2024 and inked a minor league contract with the White Sox prior to the start of their 2024 season.

So why are the Padres doing this? Because the Padres are always doing this.

Preller loves upside plays, especially on arms. If there’s even a chance a pitcher can unlock something — a tweak, a grip, a role change, a health bounce — San Diego will be the first team to slide in with a minor-league contract and a “come on down to the lab” vibe. And for a bullpen that’s constantly hunting for the next surprise weapon, a lefty who can legitimately light up the radar gun is an easy “why not?”

The realistic outcome is simple: he competes for depth, earns a look in spring training, and the Padres see if the velocity is real when it has to find the zone against hitters who aren’t politely standing in for a bullpen session.

But the fun outcome? Petco Park gets a left-handed comeback story with triple-digit heat — and Preller gets to do that thing he does where a move that sounds ridiculous in December somehow becomes relevant in July.