By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published January 16, 2026 — 1:58 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

While January is usually about player transactions, the Padres have also made meaningful moves behind the scenes that deserve real attention.

This isn’t about speculation. This is about resumes.

As the 2026 season takes shape, the Padres have reinforced their front office and organizational structure by bringing in people who have actually lived in big-league clubhouses, managed personalities, and survived long MLB seasons.

Bud Black Returns — And That Matters

The Padres brought back Bud Black as a senior advisor to baseball operations, and this is not a ceremonial role.

Black managed the Padres for eight seasons and later led the Rockies to multiple playoff appearances. He understands:

• Managing young rosters
• Handling pitching staffs
• Balancing development with winning

Having someone like Black in the room gives the front office a steady, experienced voice — especially when evaluating pitchers and making long-term decisions.

Wil Myers Joins Player Development

The Padres also added Wil Myers to the organization in a player development role, and this one hits differently.

Myers played nearly a decade in San Diego. He experienced rebuild years, playoff pushes, role changes, and pressure moments. He knows exactly what it’s like to be a young player trying to find footing in this organization.

This is about mentorship.

Former players in development roles help prospects navigate:

• The grind of professional baseball
• Changing roles and expectations
• The mental side of development

Those lessons don’t come from spreadsheets.

This is not a flashy hire — it’s a continuity hire. Someone who understands the league, understands players, and understands expectations.

This Is About Structure, Not Headlines

None of these moves are meant to dominate headlines.

They are meant to stabilize the organization.

The Padres are:

• Adding experienced voices to baseball operations
• Strengthening player development with former players
• Ensuring leadership exists at every level

This matters just as much as any January transaction.

The Big Picture

When you connect the dots, the Padres’ January makes more sense.

They added minor-league depth. They invested in international talent. And now, they’ve reinforced leadership behind the scenes.

This is how organizations prepare — not just for Opening Day, but for the long season ahead.

Thanks for watching, Padres fans. Stay sharp, stay faithful, and I’ll catch you right here next time on FriarPulse.