San Diego, February 5, 2026
The San Diego Padres have announced their roster of 28 non-roster invitees for Spring Training. This strategic move aims to enhance team depth and scout new talent for the upcoming season. Key players include Leodalis De Vries, Ethan Salas, Jagger Haynes, and Jackson Merrill, highlighting the franchise’s commitment to developing young prospects. As Spring Training approaches, local businesses also look forward to the opportunities this influx of activity brings, mirroring the team’s aspirations for success on the field.
San Diego Padres Announce Non-Roster Invitees for 2026 Spring Training
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres have unveiled their list of 28 non-roster invitees for the upcoming 2026 Spring Training, marking a strategic move aimed at bolstering the team’s depth and evaluating potential contributors for the upcoming season. This decision underscores the franchise’s dedication to maintaining a competitive edge while actively pursuing entrepreneurial talent in the world of baseball.
With the unwavering determination of teams like the Padres, we see the old adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way” manifesting through a carefully crafted roster that blends seasoned veterans with promising young prospects. This approach supports both competitive sports and entrepreneurial innovation in our local economy. As we turn to Spring Training, the anticipation of new talents might also inspire local businesses striving for growth and resilience.
Key Non-Roster Invitees
- Leodalis De Vries: A top international prospect who signed with the Padres in January 2024, De Vries made headlines in 2025 when he hit for the cycle with the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps and tied the club record with eight RBIs in a single game. His impressive .245/.357/.410 slash line and eight home runs highlight his potential as a valuable asset.
- Ethan Salas: This Venezuelan catcher, also signed in January 2024, is one of three catchers included among the non-roster invitees. His addition reflects the Padres’ commitment to fortifying their lineup through diverse talent.
- Jagger Haynes: A 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, Haynes was selected by the Padres in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. After battling through injuries in 2021 and 2022, he returned to the mound in 2024, showcasing resilience by pitching for multiple minor league teams.
- Jackson Merrill: The 2024 MLB All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner recently signed a nine-year contract extension worth $135 million guaranteed with the Padres, emphasizing both his talent and the franchise’s belief in young players as crucial to future success.
Spring Training Schedule
The Padres will kick off their 2026 Spring Training on February 11, with pitchers and catchers reporting to the team’s complex in Peoria, Arizona. The first full-squad workout is set for February 15, with position players participating in the World Baseball Classic expected to report by February 12. This schedule is crucial not only for the team but also for the local economy, as it signals an upcoming influx of activity around the training facility.
Background
Non-roster invitees are players not currently on the 40-man roster but are extended the opportunity to participate in Spring Training. This system allows the coaching staff to assess their performance and determine their potential contributions to the major league team during the upcoming regular season. The inclusion of emerging prospects like De Vries and Salas highlights the Padres’ long-term vision for developing young talent while fostering a competitive environment where innovation thrives.
Conclusion
The San Diego Padres’ announcement of their non-roster invitees for the 2026 Spring Training reflects a robust commitment to nurturing new talent and enhancing team depth. This melding of seasoned experience with emerging prospects not only positions the Padres for potential success but also serves as an inspiration for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. As San Diego continues to navigate the complexities of an evolving economy, supporting our local teams can result in broader benefits for our city. Embracing innovation, resilience, and teamwork at all levels is key to ensuring a prosperous future for San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the key non-roster invitees for the Padres’ 2026 Spring Training?
- The key non-roster invitees include Leodalis De Vries, Ethan Salas, Jagger Haynes, and Jackson Merrill.
- When do the Padres’ Spring Training workouts begin?
- Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to begin workouts on February 11, with the first full-squad workout on February 15.
- What is the purpose of non-roster invitees in Spring Training?
- Non-roster invitees are players not on the 40-man roster but are given the opportunity to participate in Spring Training to assess their performance and potential contribution to the major league team during the regular season.
| Player | Position | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Leodalis De Vries | Shortstop | Hit for the cycle on April 22, 2025, tying the club record with eight RBIs in a single game. |
| Ethan Salas | Catcher | Included among the non-roster invitees for Spring Training. |
| Jagger Haynes | Left-Handed Pitcher | Returned in 2024 after missing the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to injury, pitching for multiple minor league teams. |
| Jackson Merrill | Center Fielder | Signed a nine-year contract extension worth $135 million guaranteed with the Padres on April 2, 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Married Couple Joins Padres Fantasy Camp Adventure
San Diego Padres Strengthen Starting Rotation Amid Offseason Changes
San Diego City Council Approves $30 Million Police Settlement
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
