Padres predicted to sign four-time Gold Glove OF in upcoming free agency

The San Diego Padres have a new ownership group and might have the green light to spend a bit of money this upcoming offseason to land help in their rotation and the lineup.

When it comes to lineup upgrades, the most obvious issue that needs to be resolved is their outfield. Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. have it on lock in center and right, but left field could use a new, high-quality starter.

That's why Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter is predicting that the Padres will go out and land former Chicago Cubs four-time Gold Glove outfielder Ian Happ as a major upgrade in this upcoming free agency.

Padres predicted to sign Ian Happ in 2026-27 free agency

"With Ramon Laureano sidelined since May with a torn labrum in his hip, the Padres have used nine different starting left fielders this year," Reuter writes. "Will that be reason enough for them to prioritize stability at the position? If so, veteran Ian Happ is a Gold Glove defender with 20-homer pop who could be a great fit."

This potential new-look lineup and outfield with Happ in the fold would be quite the group. Tatis is elite, Merrill has returned to star form after a slight step back, and Happ would be a major defensive upgrade with quality offense as well.

With the Cubs in 2026, Happ has 2.7 bWAR with 110 hits, 23 home runs, and a .219 batting average, a .737 OPS, and a 102 OPS+.

While that OPS+ mark is tied for the lowest of his MLB career, his great defense and hitting are more than good enough for the Padres to invest in him this upcoming offseason.

A.J. Preller needs to upgrade the team's starting rotation this offseason, and will likely need some bullpen reinforcements as well. But the outfield should not be ignored.

If they are willing to spend a bit more to upgrade the outfield, someone like Happ, the 32-year-old veteran who's won four Gold Gloves and is hitting free agency after his three-year, $61 million deal is over, would be a very nice upgrade.

This prediction from Reuter coming true would be a positive outcome for the Padres. Adding Happ to their outfield and their lineup is the exact kind of addition this team could really use.