Three names the Padres should target in 2026 free agency

Angel Flores of East Village Times argues that the San Diego Padres should target starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, left fielder Ian Happ, and first baseman Jake Bauers in free agency. With key contributors like Michael King and Ty France hitting the open market, the writer notes that San Diego needs reinforcements in starting pitching, left field, and first base to stay competitive under new principal owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.

The piece highlights that Imanaga posted a 3.77 ERA in 2026 and could command around $23 million annually to lead the rotation. Happ offers strong on-base skills and fielding in left field at a projected $20 million average annual value. Bauers, who received a qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Brewers after an NLCS MVP campaign, is proposed as a potential replacement at first base.