In a truly stunning and unexpected twist, the San Diego Padres have announced a major front-office shake-up involving a legendary name from the baseball world. In a monumental announcement, the Ricketts Family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, confirmed that Pat Hughes — the iconic voice and long-standing face of the Cubs — will be joining the Padres organization in 2025 as a co-owner.
Yes, you read that right: Pat Hughes is returning to Major League Baseball — not as a broadcaster, but as part of the Padres’ ownership group.
Though widely known for his Hall of Fame broadcasting career with the Cubs, Hughes has long been a beloved figure in the sport, admired for his deep baseball insight, passion for the game, and decades-long connection with fans across the country. Now, in a surprising twist, he’s shifting his role from the booth to the boardroom.
The announcement was made official on Monday in a joint press conference between representatives from the Cubs and the Padres. While the Ricketts Family expressed appreciation for Hughes’ legacy in Chicago, they also gave their full support to his new chapter in San Diego.
“This is a landmark moment, not just for the Padres, but for Major League Baseball as a whole,” Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller said. “Pat Hughes brings unmatched passion, integrity, and institutional knowledge of the game. We’re thrilled to welcome him as a visionary voice in our ownership group.”
While Hughes is not widely known as an executive or business investor, sources close to the situation say he’s been involved behind the scenes in various baseball ventures in recent years and has expressed a growing interest in influencing the sport’s future at the ownership level. His presence is expected to play a significant role in both community engagement and long-term organizational strategy.
In his first statement since the news broke, Hughes said:
“Baseball has given me so much over the years — from the booth to the ballparks — and now I’m honored to be able to give back in a whole new way. The Padres are a world-class organization, and I’m excited to help build something truly special in San Diego.”
Fans across both cities have reacted with a mix of surprise and excitement. While Chicago will always remain a part of Hughes’ legacy, his decision to join the Padres signals a bold new phase for a franchise hungry for its first World Series title.
With Pat Hughes stepping into the fold as co-owner, the Padres have added more than a name — they’ve gained a baseball institution.
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