The San Diego Padres face key decisions on multiple fronts. Their closer Robert Suarez’s free agency status remains in flux, a former Padre has defended Clayton Kershaw, and attention is turning toward A.J. Preller’s role as team president.

The San Diego Padres are navigating the aftermath of their swift exit from the National League Wild Card. Manny Machado, Michael King, and Robert Suarez offer hints about what the off-season might hold for a team once full of promise.

San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez was suspended for three games after intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Managers Mike Shildt and Dave Roberts also received suspensions following the heated encounter between the rival teams.