The sudden end of a season left the San Diego Padres with questions to answer and holes to fill, as well as a hunger to play further into October next year.

They will also begin pondering a long-term deal for 24-year-old superstar Juan Soto, their marquee trade-deadline acquisition.

"All of us were hoping we'd be playing Game 7 here tonight," general manager A.J. Preller said Tuesday during a wrap-up news conference at Petco Park.

Preller said the Padres don't view Soto and All-Star closer Josh Hader, obtained a day before the Aug. 2 trade deadline, as rental pieces.

"They're guys that, you know, in Juan's case should be here for many years to come," Preller said.