Padres linked to slugging designated hitter in free agency

The San Diego Padres are neck and neck with the Los Angeles Dodgers in their battle for NL West supremacy. 

The Padres are looking for their first division title since 2006, while the Dodgers are trying to lock up their 12th title in the past 13 seasons. 

The offense in Southern California hasn't exactly been the "Slam Diego" of the past that many are used to, but the bats of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are still producing for the Friars, and an additional hot stick could be added for 2026 if the cards are played right. 

Padres Linked to Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber

Aside from perhaps Cal Raleigh, there's really not a hotter bat in the majors than that of Kyle Schwarber, who recently eclipsed the 50-home run club for the first time in his career. 

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has reported the Padres as the top option to land the designated hitter. 

"Schwarber was ranked at No. 3 on our recent list of this offseason’s free agents, behind only Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman," Feinsand wrote.

With Schwarber vocally open to staying in Philadelphia, it might take a little bit to persuade the slugger to move, but if anyone can do it, it's San Diego's president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.