Padres have surprising possibility to spice up their outfield

The San Diego Padres outfield seems to be set with Ramon Laureano, Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. from left to proper. One other surprising possibility might additionally see time on the grass in 2026.

Padres supervisor Craig Stammen reportedly mentioned that they may use lately signed KBO infielder Sung Mun Music within the outfield in the course of the 2026 season. Stammen had mentioned that the Padres envision him as a Tommy Edman-esque participant, able to enjoying across the diamond in an excellent utility function.

Music appeared to have a job set with the Padres when he signed a four-year, $15M contract earlier this offseason. Though he was primarily a 3rd baseman with the Kiwoom Heroes, Music has expertise at each first and second base. As infielder Jake Cronenworth is reportedly on the commerce block and Luis Arraez is a free agent, Music has a transparent path to enjoying time.

San Diego Padres trying to get Sung Mun Music’s bat within the lineup any approach potential

The Padres quest to discover a technique to get Music into the lineup as a lot as potential is smart. He had a breakout exhibiting in 2024, posting a .340/.409/.518 batting line with 19 homers and 29 doubles over his 602 plate appearances whereas stealing 21 bases. Music proved that efficiency was not a fluke with a robust exhibiting in 2025, posting a .315/.387/.530 batting line over 646 plate appearances, hitting a career-high 26 homers and 37 doubles with 25 steals.

Placing Music within the outfield does carry some danger. He has by no means appeared within the outfield throughout his skilled profession and would presumably work on studying these positions throughout spring coaching. Nonetheless, whereas Music would probably be a fourth outfielder at finest in 2026, he could possibly be an possibility in left if he takes nicely to the place change when Laureano reaches free company on the finish of the upcoming season.

Such a dialogue probably turns into a moot level if Cronenworth is traded. Music might slot in because the Padres main second baseman in that state of affairs. It doesn’t matter what place he performs, the Padres seem decided to get Music’s bat into the lineup as they appear to enhance their offense heading into the upcoming season.