The Padres' front office, led by GM AJ Preller, has been on a relentless quest to dethrone the Dodgers. Despite bold trades and high-profile signings, the Dodgers have remained a step ahead, clinching the World Series for the past two seasons. It's a tough pill for both Preller and the Padres' loyal fanbase to swallow.
Preller, who joined the Padres in 2014 and was promoted in 2021, has seen the team’s payroll skyrocket from 15th to third in the league, nearly hitting $250 million. Despite these efforts, the elusive division title remains out of reach.
Last season, the Padres tallied 90 wins, finishing just three games behind the Dodgers. Their season ended in a narrow 2-1 wildcard loss to the Cubs. With the Dodgers showing no signs of slowing down, the Padres might have to accept their fate as perennial wildcard contenders unless something changes dramatically.
THE LINEUP
Analyzing the Padres roster reveals some gaps despite the hefty investments. Only seven players had over 400 at-bats last season, with just two surpassing 600. Luis Arraez, one of those key players, is now a free agent.
The team’s core remains stable with Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth. Bogaerts inked a massive 11-year, $280 million deal in 2023 after leaving the Red Sox.
The spotlight for the 2026 season, however, is on Jackson Merrill. Entering his third Major League season at age 23, Merrill needs to rebound from a sophomore slump.
His rookie year was impressive with 24 homers and an OPS of .826, but last year saw a dip in production. A strong season from Merrill could be crucial for the Padres' offensive depth.
THE ROTATION
The departure of Dylan Cease to Toronto is a significant blow to the Padres' rotation. They still have Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Randy Vasquez, with hopes pinned on Joe Musgrove’s return from Tommy John surgery.
Yu Darvish's situation adds another layer of uncertainty. After being limited to 15 starts due to a UCL strain, there were retirement rumors, though Darvish has dismissed them.
The Padres might need to bolster their rotation with another starter to stay competitive.
BULLPEN
The bullpen is a bright spot for the Padres. Mason Miller, acquired last year, has been electric as a closer, posting a 0.77 ERA in 22 appearances and striking out 45 batters over 23.1 innings.
Jason Adam complements him as a top-notch setup man with a 1.93 ERA in 65 outings. With such a formidable bullpen, the Padres have a strong foundation to build upon.
In summary, while the Padres face challenges in their quest to overtake the Dodgers, they possess a solid core and a dominant bullpen. With strategic moves and a bit of luck, they could finally break through and make a deep postseason run.