Padres Ownership Dispute Tied to Loss of Star Pitcher Roki Sasaki

Legal battle over control of the Padres reportedly influenced Sasaki's decision to sign with the Dodgers, citing organizational stability as a key factor.

Sheel Kamal Seidler, widow of late Padres owner Peter Seidler, has filed a lawsuit against her brothers-in-law, Matt and Bob Seidler, over control of the team and alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
The lawsuit, filed in early January, coincided with the Padres' recruitment of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reportedly influenced by concerns about the Padres' ownership stability.
Sasaki and his agent cited the Dodgers' stable front office as a significant factor in his decision, while Padres management was engaged in late-stage negotiations with the player during the lawsuit's filing.
The Seidler brothers argue Peter Seidler's estate plan did not designate Sheel as a successor for team control, claiming she has already received substantial assets from the trust.
Critics and some fans have called for the Seidler family to sell the team, expressing concerns that the ongoing dispute risks tarnishing Peter Seidler's legacy and the Padres' future prospects.