The San Diego Padres' season came to a heartbreaking end Wednesday night, and now the organization has to turn its attention toward an offseason filled with important decisions.
After falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the Padres will have plenty to figure out as they look to build a roster capable of making another deep postseason run. A.J. Preller has new ownership to work with, while several players will have uncertain futures in San Diego.
However, three players made it clear that they would like to remain with the Padres.
Walker Buehler, who is once again a free agent, admitted that wearing a Padres uniform felt strange when he first arrived but said that changed as he became closer with his teammates and the organization.
“I think at the beginning of the year, to wear this jersey was a little bit odd for me. But at the end of the day, you grow to love a group more than whatever the jersey says. I'd love to be back,” Buehler said.
Buehler could be one of the more interesting decisions for San Diego this offseason. The veteran right-hander brought postseason experience to a Padres rotation that desperately needed it.
Ty France is also facing free agency, but his message was even more direct. France made it clear that San Diego is where he wants to continue his career.
“I love this place. I don't know what the offseason's going to look like or what's in store … but I've said it since spring training: this is where I want to be. My heart's in San Diego,” France said.
Michael King, meanwhile, has a potential option decision ahead of him. King called that a “future decision,” but his comments made it clear that San Diego has become much more than just another stop in his career.
“This is where we started a family,” King said.
Article Continues BelowSan Diego has a talented core, but Preller and the new ownership group will have to decide which pieces they want to keep together and where the roster needs to improve. The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming collective bargaining process also adds another layer to the offseason, with the possibility of a lockout looming over the 2027 season.
For now, though, Buehler, France, and King have made their feelings known.
They want to stay in San Diego.
Now it's up to the Padres to decide whether they feel the same way.

