By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published January 14, 2026 — 7:10 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

The San Diego Padres continue quietly building organizational depth as January rolls on, adding three veteran infielders on minor league contracts over the past week.

According to the club’s transaction log, San Diego signed third baseman Luis Verdugo on January 8, followed by shortstop Carson Tucker on January 7, and third baseman José Miranda earlier in the month on January 3.

What These Moves Mean

None of the three signings impact the Padres’ 40-man roster, but they do serve an important purpose as the organization prepares for spring training and the long grind of the minor league season.

Adding experienced infield depth gives the Padres:

• Insurance at multiple infield positions
• Veteran presence for younger prospects
• Competition during spring training and early-season call-ups

These types of minor league deals often fly under the radar, but they play a critical role in keeping affiliates stable throughout the season—especially when injuries, promotions, or trades inevitably come into play.

Bottom Line

This isn’t splashy news, but it’s smart roster maintenance. The Padres are continuing their trend of stockpiling depth without committing roster spots or payroll flexibility, ensuring they’re prepared if and when needs arise during the 2026 campaign.

Stay locked in with FriarPulse for more roster updates, spring training breakdowns, and Padres coverage as the season approaches.