11 FAQ as Padres look to 2020 and beyond

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres have introduced a new manager and will soon unveil new uniforms, and they’ll be looking to revamp their roster as well.

Here's a rundown of the most frequently asked questions, addressing some key dates, deadlines and decisions looming over the next few months.

1) Now that Jayce Tingler is here, what's the time frame for coaching moves?

Tingler, who spent 14 years in the Rangers organization in a variety of roles, was introduced in a press conference on Oct. 31, and now he’ll set about shaping his coaching staff. It’s unclear which members of the current staff will remain on board, but Tingler will be given some latitude to select his own group. Two mainstays -- pitching coach Darren Balsley and third-base coach Glenn Hoffman -- are among those questionable to return.

On the same day Tingler was introduced, sources said that San Diego is expected to hire Phillies infield coach Bobby Dickerson as its bench coach. (The club has not yet confirmed the move.) Before working in Philadelphia, Dickerson spent a decade with the Orioles, working closely with Manny Machado. The two also worked together in the Minors during Machado's first year in pro ball.

2) Which players will become free agents this offseason?

The Padres expect plenty of movement on the trade front this winter, but there's a surprising amount of stability on the roster. Craig Stammen is the only current free agent, though two other relievers are likely to join him. The Padres have a $2.5 million option on Adam Warren and a $2 million option on Aaron Loup. Both Warren and Loup missed the bulk of the season because of right forearm and left elbow injuries, respectively.

3) At which positions will the Padres be looking to add, via free agency or trades?

The rotation and the outfield are top priorities. The Padres have their sights set on adding a front-line starting pitcher this offseason, though it's unclear whether they'll do so via trade or free agency (right now, a trade seems more likely). But in the outfield, free agency could be the likelier route.

After that, the Padres will explore their options in the bullpen, at catcher and at second base. But if they need to fall back on in-house options at those spots, they might be comfortable doing so.

4) When do the Padres need to trim their roster?

Five days after the World Series, all players who have been placed on the 60-day injured list will be removed from that list. The Padres finished the season with a full 40-man roster, plus 11 players on the 60-day IL. That means that even if Stammen, Warren and Loup leave, the Padres will have 48 players. That number needs to be trimmed to 40.

5) Which players might be non-tendered or released?

The Padres must cut or trade at least eight players before Nov. 4, and that’s before any signings or acquisitions. The list is long and ranges from such veterans as Robbie Erlin and Travis Jankowski to rookies Eric Yardley and Seth Mejias-Brean. It's worth noting that -- including injured players -- the Padres have 31 pitchers on their 40-man roster. They're going to trim that number significantly.

6) Which players will be eligible for arbitration this winter?

The Padres have 10 players entering arbitration proceedings:

Final year of arbitration before free agency: Kirby Yates, Robbie Erlin

Two years left: Greg Garcia

Three years left: Austin Hedges, Carl Edwards Jr., Travis Jankowski, Matt Strahm, Manuel Margot, Luis Perdomo

Four years left: Hunter Renfroe

If the Padres tender contracts to those players, the two sides must either come to an agreement on a 2020 salary, or they'll enter the arbitration process. Both sides would then submit suggested salary figures, and an independent arbiter would pick one of the two.

7) What is the deadline to tender a contract to players?

The non-tender deadline is 5 p.m. PT on Dec. 2. Any players who are not tendered a contract will become free agents.

8) What is the deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft?

Certain Minor Leaguers who haven't been added to a 40-man roster are eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings. If those players are selected by another team, they must remain in the Major Leagues for an entire season or be offered back to their original club.

The deadline for prospects to be added to the 40-man roster -- thereby becoming protected from the Rule 5 Draft -- is Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. PT. The Padres added a handful of likely Rule 5 picks to their roster during the second half of the season.

9) When are the Winter Meetings this year?

The Winter Meetings are slated for Dec. 9-12 in San Diego. As always, the Rule 5 Draft will take place on the morning of the final day of the Winter Meetings.

10) When will the team's new brown and gold uniforms be unveiled?

November 9, at Petco Park.

11) When is baseball back?

Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 10, with the first full-squad workout five days later. The Padres open their Cactus League slate on Feb. 22, against the Mariners. They'll open the 2020 regular season on March 26 against the Rockies at Petco Park.