I've heard some creative potential solutions to the Padres' outfield problems. But I hadn't heard this one.

On Tuesday, manager Mike Shildt was asked whether he preferred Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field or center. Keeping a straight face, Shildt answered thusly:

"We talked in the Dominican that he was going to play center and right at the same time. He was OK with that. I was going to petition the league, like, ‘Listen, if we can have him hit second and seventh and have a pinch-runner for him, would you guys be OK if we played an outfielder short? And just have Tati play right and center? But he gets to hit twice.’ He was on board with it. It hasn’t gotten much traction."

Know what? I can get behind that! Let Tatis play right-center, then let him bat twice … Don't act like you wouldn't watch.

As for real-world answers to those Padres outfield questions? We've actually gotten a few this week:

1. A.J. Preller is still looking for upgrades
The Padres general manager spoke with media Tuesday and revealed that he's been active in trade discussions -- more active than usual for this time of year. San Diego could also use starting pitching and a first base/DH type. But Preller acknowledged that the outfield is his top priority.

"We're going to continue to look to add to the outfield mix," Preller said. "We like some of the competition we have in the camp currently. But that's an area that we've had some ongoing conversation with both the free-agent and trade market."

2. Jurickson Profar has arrived
Well, technically he hasn't arrived quite yet. His signing is pending a physical. But Profar agreed to a one-year deal on Monday.

That gives the Padres a full outfield on their 40-man roster: Tatis, Profar and José Azocar.  Of course, in an ideal world, Profar is a versatile bench piece, and Azocar is a backup or platoon center fielder.

That would seemingly leave two starting spots available.

3. Jackson Merrill is in the mix
The team's No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 12 overall, Merrill said he's been working in both left and center field this winter (in addition to his usual work at shortstop and second base).

"Trying to get ready for the season, just to be available for whatever position they want me to play," Merrill said.

Center is a useful skill for Merrill to have. But realistically, left field is where there's opportunity available to him.

4. The other prospects will get a serious look, too
Jakob Marsee, Graham Pauley and Nathan Martorella join Merrill in big league camp. All four are left-handed hitters -- an asset lacking on the team's 40-man roster.

Marsee is in the mix for center field (along with a handful of other non-roster invitees and Azocar, plus whatever additions Preller makes). Pauley and Martorella, meanwhile, are infielders whose clearest path to the roster is via the bench. But they've each played corner outfield in the Minors.

5. Tatis is almost certainly bound for right field
Shildt's joking aside, Tatis was so good in right last season that the Padres don't seem to feel a need to change -- even though they're confident he'd be an elite defensive center fielder, too.

Tatis won the Platinum Glove Award in his first season as a right fielder. Citing the spacious nature of Petco Park's right field and his success there last season, Tatis told the Padres he'd be content to stay put.

"I feel like right field in Petco Park is more important than center field," Tatis said alluding to the spacious dimensions of his home ballpark. "I feel like I can do a way better job in our right field in Petco than me playing center field. I feel like right field is the spot for me right now."

Right field it is, then. But -- unless Shildt's lobbying bears fruit -- Tatis can only play one spot. So who joins him in that Opening Day outfield? Stay tuned.

Who holds the Padres’ record for Opening Day starts in center field?

A. Steve Finley
B. Ruppert Jones
C. Cameron Maybin
D. Kevin McReynolds

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

• Ten days before his wedding, Michael King was traded across the country. It threw his December into chaos. No matter. "We had a freaking blast," he said. Story >

• A year ago Tatis was back. But after navigating some ups and downs last summer, Tatis says this year, he's really, truly back. Story >   

• Manny Machado "has hit every checkpoint" and could be a full-go for the Padres' season opener in Seoul. Story >

WORTH NOTING

• Already, it's clear that Shildt isn’t going to spend much time focusing on the failures of last season.

“We learn from experiences,” Shildt said. “We also move forward and grow from them, and we create our own.”

Asked earlier in camp what, specifically, the Padres had learned from their 2023 season, Shildt shifted the focus, naming veterans Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove.

“I can tell you, that group wasn’t pleased with, in their terms, the underperformance of what took place and how it went down,” Shildt said. “Without getting into greater specifics, I can tell you that the group that’s going to help lead this ’24 campaign is coming in hungry."

With their first full-squad workout slated for Friday, the Padres have today off. Then, the spring really heats up.

• Darvish threw an intense bullpen session (at least by mid-February standards) on Tuesday. He’s well ahead of schedule in preparation for the Padres’ season-opening series in Seoul.

Darvish has never been to Korea and recently noted how excited he is to finally be making the trip.

“You really hear good things about the food over there,” said Darvish through interpreter Shingo Horie. “Obviously that’s one thing I’m looking forward to. But what I look forward to the most is going against the Dodgers, getting the W and enjoying a little bit of a drink after that.”

• The Padres announced their spring broadcast schedule with all 25 games available via TV, radio or webcast. Padres.TV, the direct-to-consumer streaming option for all games except national TV broadcasts, will be available free during Spring Training. Padres.TV will carry nine games, beginning Feb. 26, when the Padres host the Guardians. ESPN will carry San Diego’s first two Cactus League games against the Dodgers on Feb. 22-23.

Finley made four straight Opening Day starts in center field from 1995-98.