The San Diego Padres have surprised their fanbase this winter with the additions of Song Sung-Mun on a free agent deal and Michael King to a huge $75 million contract.
Winter roster moves occur every year, but what about on Christmas Day? The Padres have been around for a long time, but have they ever made a roster move on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve?
While most clubs don't participate in offseason activities on December 25th, according to Baseball Reference, the Padres are one of a few teams to have made a roster move on Christmas Day, as their move came back in 2004.
Have Padres made a Christmas Day roster move? History of San Diego holiday action
Back in 2004, two transactions were made, one from the Padres, the other from the Kansas City Royals. While Jose Lima had -1.5 bWAR for the Royals after his Christmas signing, how did the Padres roster move fair?
The Padres signed Brian Falkenborg, a right-handed pitcher, to a free agent deal on Christmas Day 2004. In 10 games with the Padres, Falkenborg had an 8.18 ERA, -0.3 bWAR, and 10 strikeouts to go with five walks and two home runs allowed in 11 innings.
While he only lasted a year in San Diego, Falkenborg was still a better pickup than Lima, as he was the best 2004 Christmas Day signing.
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While Christmas Day isn't always active, what about on Christmas Eve? Back in 2002, the Padres signed Jay Witasick, another righty reliever, to a free agent deal. He posted a 4.53 ERA over 46 games for the Padres in 2003.
On Christmas Eve 1993, Eric Gunderson, a lefty pitcher, was signed by the Padres. He never made an appearance for the Padres.
Throughout MLB and Padres history, there haven't been any other Christmas Day or Christmas Eve roster moves.
While the Padres haven't had much luck during these two holidays, they're one of the more active teams in MLB history, making one Christmas Day roster move and two moves on Christmas Eve over the years.
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