SHOCKING WAVES: Few minutes ago, A.J.Preller makes a surprising announcement of stepping down as president of Baseball operations and focus on his role with San Diego Padres as general manager, and further explain his decision stating that his royalty lies with…

 

In a stunning development that sent shockwaves across Major League Baseball, A.J. Preller announced just moments ago that he is stepping down as the President of Baseball Operations for the San Diego Padres. The longtime executive will now fully dedicate himself to his original role as the team’s General Manager—a move he says is driven by “loyalty, clarity, and commitment.”

The announcement came during an impromptu press conference held at Petco Park. “This isn’t about stepping back. It’s about stepping deeper into the role that first brought me here,” Preller said, visibly emotional. “My loyalty lies with the players, the fans, and the day-to-day grind of building a championship team from the ground up.”

Preller has been the architect behind some of the franchise’s biggest moves in recent years, acquiring stars like Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Xander Bogaerts. His bold style and relentless pursuit of talent turned the Padres into a perennial contender and helped reshape the club’s national image.

Still, Preller admitted the dual role had begun to stretch him thin. “Being both President and GM meant juggling long-term planning and immediate decisions. That dual focus made it harder to stay connected on the field, with the coaches, and in the clubhouse,” he explained.

This strategic shift will allow Preller to hone in on roster construction, scouting, and player development—areas where his fingerprints have been most felt. “I want to be on the phone with scouts, in the film room with analysts, and at the training ground with our future stars,” he added.

The Padres organization expressed full support for the decision, with owner Peter Seidler releasing a brief statement: “A.J. is the heartbeat of this team. We’re proud of his integrity and excited about the renewed focus he’s bringing to the GM role.”

With postseason hopes still alive, the timing of this move is both bold and telling. For A.J. Preller, it’s not about titles—it’s about winning, and making sure San Diego finishes what it started.