San Diego, CA

Prospect Report: San Diego Padres 2024 Imminent Big Leaguers

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2024

Prospect Report: San Diego Padres 2024 Imminent Big Leaguers

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Below is an evaluation of the prospects in the San Diego Padres farm system who readers should consider “imminent big leaguers,” players who might reasonably be expected to play in the majors at some point this year. This includes all prospects on the 40-man roster as well as those who have already established themselves in the upper levels of the minors but aren’t yet rostered. I tend to be more inclusive with pitchers and players at premium defensive positions since their timelines are usually the ones accelerated by injuries and scarcity. Any Top 100 prospects, regardless of their ETA, are also included on this list. Reports, tool grades, and scouting information for all of the prospects below can also be found on The Board.

This is not a top-to-bottom evaluation of the Padres farm system. I like to include what’s happening in minor league and extended spring training in my reports as much as possible, since scouting high concentrations of players in Arizona and Florida allows me to incorporate real-time, first-person information into the org lists. However, this approach has led to some situations where outdated analysis (or no analysis at all) was all that existed for players who had already debuted in the majors. Skimming the imminent big leaguers off the top of a farm system will allow this time-sensitive information to make its way onto the site more quickly, better preparing readers for the upcoming season, helping fantasy players as they draft, and building site literature on relevant prospects to facilitate transaction analysis in the event that trades or injuries foist these players into major league roles. There will still be a full Padres prospect list that includes Robby Snelling and Braden Nett and all of the other prospects in the system who appear to be at least another season away. As such, today’s list includes no ordinal rankings. Readers are instead encouraged to focus on the players’ Future Value (FV) grades.

Let’s revisit what FV means before I offer some specific thoughts on this org. Future Value (FV) is a subjective valuation metric derived from the traditional 20-80 scouting scale (where 50 is average and each integer of 10 away from 50 represents one standard deviation) that uses WAR production to set the scale. For instance, an average regular (meaning the 15th-best guy at a given position, give or take) generally produces about 2 WAR annually, so a 50 FV prospect projects as an everyday player who will generate about that much WAR during each of his pre-free agency big league seasons.

Why not just use projected WAR as the valuation metric then? For one, it creates a false sense of precision. This isn’t a model. While a lot of data goes into my decision-making process, a lot of subjectivity does too, in the form of my own visual evaluations, as well as other information related to the players’ careers and baseball backgrounds. A player can have a strong evaluation (emphasis on the “e”) but might be a great distance from the big leagues, or perhaps is injury prone, or a superlative athlete. Context like that might cause me to augment the player’s valuation (no “e”). Using something more subjective like Future Value allows me to dial up and down how I’m interpreting that context.

There are also many valuable part-time players who can only generate so much WAR due to their lack of playing time. As such, FV grades below 50 tend to describe a role more than they do a particular WAR output; you can glean the projected roles from the players’ reports. In short, anyone who is a 40+ FV player or above projects as an integral big league role player or better.

Now some Padres thoughts. Take a peek at the RosterResource Depth Chart to see just how many free agents A.J. Preller and co. are tasked with replacing while also cutting payroll in the wake of Peter Seidler’s death. Trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York helped replenish their pitching staff, though the Friars could still use one proven big league starter, and I think they could stand to upgrade the bottom of their 40-man, too. For instance, 25-year-old lefty Jay Groome is still rookie eligible, but I have him graded below the 35+ FV threshold. He walked 16.7% of opposing hitters last year while his fastball sat just 90-92, and Groome is also out of options. It feels like he’s on the roster bubble. The Soto trade also left them without great in-house options in left and center field. Manny Machado had offseason elbow surgery that might prevent him from playing defense early in the 2024 season, leaving them thin at third base as well.

In addition to the older position player prospects on this list, the Padres have brought in Mason McCoy, Cal Mitchell, Óscar Mercado, and Bryce Johnson on minor league deals at these positions. They at least have a myriad of options in hand right now, many of whom are players one can envision the Padres winning with, though perhaps not winning because of. It would make a ton a sense for Jackson Merrill to play third base or left field during the spring, as his bat feels like the best chance for the Padres to catch a special sort of lightning in a bottle.

The number of potential trade partners that might have 3B/OF/P options to spare will probably be limited to teams mired in true rebuilds. Teams that hope or expect to compete for a playoff spot in 2024 will probably want big leaguers in return, and dealing with them could mean robbing Peter to pay Paul. Teams like the Nationals, Rockies, or White Sox, who are more likely to be happy getting younger prospects back, would seem like better fits.

Padres Imminent Big Leaguers and Top 100 Prospects

Source link

San Diego, CA

New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Here’s a closer look at San Diego’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated San Diego venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge

Photo: James Tran

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge has debuted a redesigned dining and lounge space in the heart of La Jolla, blending modern elegance with globally inspired design. Led by restaurateur Sami Ladeki, the venue features standout elements like a gold-brushed statement wall, sculptural ceiling installations by Milan-based artist Mirei Monticello, a dramatic fireplace framed by Buddha statues, and a leathered quartzite bar that anchors the space. The 5,700-square-foot restaurant accommodates up to 230 guests seated or 300 reception-style, with full buyouts available, plus a covered patio with heaters that extends the footprint for year-round events. Additional options include a 12-seat private dining room and two semiprivate spaces for 18 and 34 guests. Executive chef Alfie Szeprethy leads a globally inspired, shareable menu—from sushi and dumplings to wok-fired dishes and signature plates like Polynesian Crab Stack and Japanese hot rock steak—paired with a beverage program featuring premium sake, wine, and craft cocktails.

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar debuted in November 2025 at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, offering a design-forward dining destination that blends French culinary tradition with a relaxed California sensibility. Designed by Jacoi Mann, the space features deep blue and gold tones, velvet seating, and softly lit chandeliers, creating a setting that feels both polished and inviting for group dining and social gatherings. The all-day concept is led by executive chef Fabrice Hardel, whose menu reimagines classic French dishes with locally sourced ingredients, from Burgundy escargot and French onion soup to seafood specialties and modern American-inspired plates. Overall, the 222-room Westgate Hotel has 12 meeting and event spaces and four culinary concepts.

Diamond Room

Photo: Eric Scire/Finest Collective

Diamond Room opened in January inside the historic Simon Levi Building at Gallagher Square in San Diego’s Petco Park, bringing an intimate, retro-chic cocktail experience to the Ballpark District. Developed by Patina Group and Finest Collective—the newly rebranded events and hospitality division of the San Diego Padres—the 50-seat lounge channels a late-1970s aesthetic with velvet, leather, mirrors, and a disco ball, creating a moody, design-forward setting for small gatherings and VIP events. The cocktail program focuses on elevated classics with a local twist—like a clarified margarita and a nitro-infused Garibaldi—while a menu of shareable bites complements the experience. The venue also offers interactive “Shaken & Stirred” mixology classes for small groups. Located steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, the space is available for buyouts and group bookings.

Dora Ristorante

Photo: Kimberly Motos

Dora Ristorante opened near the La Jolla Playhouse at UC San Diego, bringing a coastal Italian dining concept from the team behind Cori Trattoria to the city’s theater district. Led by chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant draws inspiration from southern Italy with a California twist, featuring handmade pastas, Mediterranean seafood, and a house gelato program designed for sharing. Located steps from the theater, Dora offers a pre-theater dining experience with a rotating three-course menu inspired by current productions, as well as options for full-service dinners and wine pairings. The venue includes multiple event spaces, from a 14- to 16-seat private dining room to a main dining room, bar lounge, and patio, with full buyouts accommodating up to 130 seated or 180 guests for receptions.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Photo: Courtesy of Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa has completed a full renovation of its conference center, reimagining more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with a coastal-inspired design and enhanced technology. Located on a 44-acre island in Mission Bay, the refreshed venues—including the Paradise Ballroom, Sunset Ballroom, and Mission Bay Ballroom—feature abundant natural light, flexible layouts, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with many spaces opening onto waterfront terraces or lawns. Upgrades include integrated lighting, advanced AV capabilities, and high-speed connectivity to support both in-person and hybrid events, alongside sustainability-focused enhancements like LED lighting and eco-conscious materials. Beyond the meeting rooms, groups can take advantage of on-site amenities such as waterfront dining, a full-service spa, five pools, and beachside activities.

Fox Point Farms

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Point Farms

Fox Point Farms in Encinitas is a newly developed regenerative farm and event destination designed for immersive, multi-moment gatherings. The multi-acre working property blends indoor and outdoor venues with on-site food and beverage programs, live music capabilities, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and seasonality, allowing events to flow between gardens, fields, and dining spaces. The venue has already hosted corporate buyouts, private celebrations, and large-scale gatherings, with programming that integrates food, drink, and environment in a way that feels cohesive and place-driven. A standout feature for planners is the on-site wellness studio, which offers private group classes ranging from yoga and Pilates to sound healing and mindfulness.

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters

Photo: Courtesy of Wedgewood Weddings

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters has debuted in San Diego’s Seaport Village, transforming the city’s historic 1939 police headquarters into a 15,000-square-foot event venue that blends art deco heritage with modern design. The waterfront property features a range of flexible spaces for meetings and social events, including the Velvet Lounge, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail space with a circular bar and jewel-toned finishes, and the Gilded Hall, which accommodates up to 280 guests seated beneath exposed beams and statement chandeliers. Additional highlights include two VIP suites—The Rose Room and The Vault—designed for pre-event gatherings and photo moments. Located minutes from the San Diego Convention Center and airport, the venue offers a turnkey option for corporate events, galas, and celebrations within a landmark setting.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Photo: Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy opened in November 2025, bringing a 334-room hotel with design-forward suites and more than 10,000 square feet of event space to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Little Italy, the property offers a range of flexible venues—including the Amici Ballroom and Cardini Boardroom—suited for everything from intimate receptions to conferences. Guest accommodations include spacious, townhouse-style suites with features like lofted layouts, Juliet balconies, and dedicated living areas. On-site amenities include Orexi, a Mediterranean-California restaurant serving shareable plates and cocktails, along with a rooftop Skydeck pool, sunset terrace with a fireplace, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes.

Ox Coffee Roasters

Photo: Courtesy of Ox Coffee Roasters

Ox Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley is now offering its storefront for private events, providing a casual, community-driven setting for small gatherings and interactive experiences. Located near several convention hotels, the venue accommodates up to 40 guests and can host everything from morning mixers to hands-on latte art classes and coffee tastings led by resident expert Chris Dennis, a competitor in national roasting competitions like the U.S. Brewers Cup Championship. In addition to its coffee program, Ox serves tea, including matcha, and a small menu of pastries and light bites, making it a flexible option for low-key networking events, workshops, and group experiences.

Bacari North Park

Photo: Jakob Layman

Bacari North Park opened in February, marking the San Diego debut of the LA-born, family-owned Mediterranean wine bar in one of North Park’s most recognizable two-story buildings. Known for its shareable, seasonally rotating menu, Bacari offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a setting designed to feel like an elevated dinner party. The new location spans two levels plus an outdoor patio, making it a flexible option for group dining, receptions, and full buyouts.

NÓMADA

Photo: Kimberly Motos

NÓMADA opened in Carlsbad from Grand Restaurant Group, bringing a regionally driven Mexican dining concept inspired by chef Alex Carballo’s Sinaloan roots and travels throughout Mexico’s coastal and agricultural regions. The menu highlights traditional techniques with a focus on coastal seafood, featuring dishes like Birria Chimichanga Bites, Duck Mole Taco Trio, and Cochinita Pibil. Designed for gatherings, the restaurant offers a mix of indoor dining rooms, an open-air patio, and a lively bar with a live music stage, creating a flexible setting for group dining, celebrations, and private events.

Life Time Otay Ranch

Photo: Robert Reyes

Life Time Otay Ranch opened in December 2025 in Chula Vista as the brand’s first San Diego-area destination built from the ground up, bringing a 150,000-square-foot athletic country club and wellness-focused gathering space to South County. Designed as a two-level, all-in-one lifestyle hub, the property features a 26,000-square-foot workout floor, dedicated group training studios, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and a more than 50,000-square-foot outdoor beach club with pools, dining, and lounge areas. In addition to fitness and recreation, the venue includes a Kids Academy, LifeSpa, and LifeCafe, making it a versatile option for wellness-driven corporate events, team-building experiences, and community-focused gatherings.

Source link

San Diego, CA

Sir Mohamed Mansour brought a global movement to San Diego, and nearly won MLS Cup in Year 1

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Sir Mohamed Mansour brought a global movement to San Diego, and nearly won MLS Cup in Year 1

As Sir Mohamed Mansour was finalizing a deal with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation to invest in San Diego FC in 2022, he reflected on their combined history. The Sycuan said they’d lived in the San Diego region for 12,000 years. Mansour looked to his own Egyptian culture’s 7,000-year existence.

“If we have 19,000 years of history we can’t lose,” said the 78-year-old.

When San Diego FC finally lost in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, it was in the Western Conference finals, capping the best debut season in the league’s history. Mansour spoke about the experience Thursday morning during the Business of Soccer conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

“The first game, to me, meant everything. That night was a sleepless night because I’m very passionate about soccer,” he said.

Mansour would have settled for a respectable loss; they were playing defending MLS Cup champs L.A. Galaxy. But San Diego FC scored twice unanswered, winning the opener. And another sleepless night ensued.

Mansour discussed early life health issues, including being hit by a car when he was 10 years old, which left him bed-ridden for three years. He read American comic books and studied. His family’s wealth was confiscated by the Egyptian government during a 1965 revolution, and he later beat cancer as a 20-year-old while studying in the U.S.

Now the billionaire chairman of Mansour Group, an Egyptian conglomerate owned by his family, Mansour is also chairman of the Right To Dream Academy, which has made San Diego its fifth outpost. San Diego FC’s $150M Sharp HealthCare Performance Center includes residences and a school for Right To Dream participants in the club’s academy system. Mansour mentioned his plans to construct 100 pitches for underprivileged kids in San Diego.

“We are more than a football academy. We’re a global movement, built upon the belief that everyone has the right to dream,” said Mansour. “We’ve been rewriting the rules of talent development for over 20 years, guided by our core belief that excellence can be found anywhere.”

While creating hundreds of opportunities for children in underdeveloped countries, Right to Dream has generated tens of millions of euros in transfer fees for clubs within the network.

Mansour, who graduated from N.C. State in 1968 with an engineering degree and then earned a Masters’ from Auburn, differs from many MLS owners because he is a native soccer fan, he had extensive soccer business experience, and even an idea of how he’d like his team to play (possession-based).

Asked which he’d prefer — for Egypt to win the World Cup or San Diego FC to win MLS Cup — Mansour answered the United States (to win the World Cup) and San Diego FC to win MLS Cup.

“I tell you why. I’m a businessman too,” he said, grinning. “And if the US does well in this World Cup, soccer is going to grow.”

Rapid fire with Sir Mohamed Mansour

Comic book hero: Superman

Kryptonite: Worrying

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite soccer player: Mohamed Salah

Childhood hero: His father

Source link

San Diego, CA

3 San Diego State players who won’t be on the roster in the 2026–27 season

Published

2 days ago

March 25, 2026

Press Room

3 San Diego State players who won’t be on the roster in the 2026–27 season

The San Diego State Aztecs are bracing for some possible serious turnover this offseason and it’s not all going to be via the transfer portal.

Leading scorer Reese Dixon-Waters is out of eligibility, as are Jeremiah Oden and Sean Newman Jr. Newman can petition for another season based on his junior college years, but it’s anyone’s guess if he’d get it.

Obviously, San Diego State’s roster movement is far from complete and the transfer portal doesn’t even open until April 7, the day after the national championship game.

The Aztecs’ once-promising season ended when they were left out of the NCAA Tournament following their loss to Utah State in the Mountain West Tournament championship game.

There are some players we know will not be on the squad next season, which will be the Aztecs’ first in the new-look Pac-12:

Guard Reese Dixon-Waters

San Diego State Aztecs guard Reese Dixon-Waters (39). | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After missing all of the 2024-25 season with a broken foot, Dixon-Waters returned for his final season of eligibility and led the Aztecs in scoring at 13.1 points per game. He was a second-team All-Mountain West pick. He scored his 1,000th career point at UNLV on Jan. 24 and finished his career with 1,220 points.

Dixon-Waters played his first three seasons at USC before transferring to SDSU, where he started 23 of 37 games in 2023-24. He was a preseason All-Mountain West pick the next season before breaking a foot. He was so highly regarded that, despite missing all of last season, he was named to the preseason All-MW team in October.

One of his notable accomplishments was attempting more free throws (43) without a miss to start the 2023-24 season than any player in the country.

Forward Jeremiah Oden

San Diego State Aztecs forward Jeremiah Oden (25). | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oden started 15 games and played in 30 of 33 games in his final season of eligibility after transferring from Charlotte, where he redshirted in 2024-25. He averaged 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 13.8 minutes.

Oden scored his 1,000th career point on Feb. 3 against Wyoming, where he played his first three college seasons. He finished his career with 1,024 points and 495 rebounds.

Oden didn’t play at all in a blowout home win against Utah State on Feb. 25, when Dutcher shortened his rotation from 11 to nine players. He had started the previous nine games.

Oden also played one season at DePaul.

Guard Sean Newman Jr.

San Diego State Aztecs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4). | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The transfer from Louisiana Tech played in all 33 games and made four starts, including Senior Night in the regular-season finale against UNLV and all three games in the MW tournament, when freshman Elzie Harrington was out with an injury.

Newman averaged 3.3 points, 2.4 assists and 15.4 minutes.

Source link