Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano completed their purchase of the San Diego Padres on Monday after receiving unanimous approval from MLB's 29 team owners. The $3.9 billion transaction sets a new league record, surpassing the New York Mets' $2.4 billion sale in 2020. The new ownership team emphasized their commitment extends beyond financial investment, with Feliciano stating: "We need to win the World Series. It's that simple."
Jones reinforced the urgency during a press conference, declaring the owners plan to spend "ambitiously" yet "judiciously" while maintaining long-term organizational stability. The Padres have not captured a World Series title in over three decades despite multiple ownership transitions. Jones stressed the collaborative approach needed, saying: "We're going to win. We're going to win. We're going to win! Win it all!"
The Padres currently hold a 71-60 record and sit second in the NL West with a $220 million payroll featuring stars including Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Mason Miller. San Diego posted a 15-6 record in August and remains firmly positioned in the playoff race under new ownership's direction.
