The San Diego Padres outfield seems to be set with Ramon Laureano, Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. from left to proper. One other surprising choice might additionally see time on the grass in 2026.
Padres supervisor Craig Stammen reportedly mentioned that they may use lately signed KBO infielder Sung Mun Tune within the outfield through the 2026 season. Stammen had mentioned that the Padres envision him as a Tommy Edman-esque participant, able to taking part in across the diamond in a brilliant utility function.
Tune appeared to have a task set with the Padres when he signed a four-year, $15M contract earlier this offseason. Though he was primarily a 3rd baseman with the Kiwoom Heroes, Tune has expertise at each first and second base. As infielder Jake Cronenworth is reportedly on the commerce block and Luis Arraez is a free agent, Tune has a transparent path to taking part in time.
San Diego Padres seeking to get Sung Mun Tune’s bat within the lineup any means potential
The Padres quest to discover a strategy to get Tune into the lineup as a lot as potential is smart. He had a breakout exhibiting in 2024, posting a .340/.409/.518 batting line with 19 homers and 29 doubles over his 602 plate appearances whereas stealing 21 bases. Tune proved that efficiency was not a fluke with a powerful exhibiting in 2025, posting a .315/.387/.530 batting line over 646 plate appearances, hitting a career-high 26 homers and 37 doubles with 25 steals.
Placing Tune within the outfield does carry some threat. He has by no means appeared within the outfield throughout his skilled profession and would presumably work on studying these positions throughout spring coaching. Nevertheless, whereas Tune would seemingly be a fourth outfielder at greatest in 2026, he could possibly be an choice in left if he takes effectively to the place change when Laureano reaches free company on the finish of the upcoming season.
Such a dialogue seemingly turns into a moot level if Cronenworth is traded. Tune might slot in because the Padres main second baseman in that state of affairs. It doesn’t matter what place he performs, the Padres seem decided to get Tune’s bat into the lineup as they appear to enhance their offense heading into the upcoming season.
