The San Diego Padres are heading into the heart of the offseason with a clear to-do list. After a season that left them short of expectations, there’s no mystery about what needs fixing: another frontline starter, a high-contact bat for the infield, and some added thump-ideally at first base or designated hitter.
They’ve already checked off one box by locking in Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal. That’s a big move. King showed enough last season to project as a legitimate piece at the top of the rotation, and securing him early gives the Padres some flexibility as they pivot toward bolstering the offense.
But here’s the reality: in a division that includes the powerhouse Dodgers, standing pat isn’t an option. If San Diego wants to keep pace in the NL West, they’ll need more than just a solid pitching addition-they need bats, and they need them soon.
Marcell Ozuna Could Be the Right Fit at the Right Time
That brings us to Marcell Ozuna, one of the more intriguing names still floating on the free agent market. With the first base and DH markets thinning out fast, the Padres may not have the luxury of waiting much longer. Ozuna brings a profile that could fit snugly into San Diego’s needs: power, experience, and-perhaps most importantly-discipline at the plate.
Last season, Ozuna posted a career-high 15.9% walk rate and ranked in the 85th percentile in chase rate. That’s a sign of a hitter who’s not just swinging for the fences, but seeing the ball well and making pitchers work. His 113 OPS+ is solid, but if he can tap into more of his raw power-something he’s shown in the past-there’s potential for even more impact.
For a Padres lineup that could use a veteran bat with pop and patience, Ozuna checks a lot of boxes. He’s not the only option out there, but he might be one of the best fits given the team’s current construction and the shrinking pool of available hitters.
Competition Is Heating Up
Of course, San Diego isn’t the only team kicking the tires on Ozuna. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins have also been linked to the slugger, and with teams looking to round out their rosters before spring training, the market could move quickly.
Still, for the Padres, the opportunity is there. They’ve already addressed one of their most pressing needs with the King deal. Now it’s about finishing the job-adding offense that can help them go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers and make a real push in 2025.
The clock’s ticking, but the pieces are out there. If San Diego can land the right bat-maybe even Ozuna-they’ll be in a much stronger position to contend in what’s shaping up to be a highly competitive NL West.