The Los Angeles Dodgers just shook the baseball world - again. On the night of January 16, they inked Kyle Tucker to a massive four-year, $240 million deal, adding another All-Star bat to an already loaded lineup.
With Tucker joining Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, the Dodgers’ top five now reads like an All-NL team ballot. It’s a lineup that’s not just deep - it’s terrifying.
Naturally, the move has drawn plenty of heat. Fans and rival executives have voiced frustration over L.A.’s willingness to blow past the luxury tax threshold like it’s a minor inconvenience.
But not everyone’s backing down from the challenge. In fact, one of the Dodgers’ biggest division rivals is embracing it head-on.
Craig Stammen Isn’t Intimidated - He’s Energized
New Padres manager Craig Stammen made that crystal clear during a recent appearance on the Foul Territory Show. When asked about the prospect of facing this new-look Dodgers squad, Stammen didn’t flinch.
“There’s nothing better in the big leagues than playing against the best,” he said.
That simple, confident statement is already resonating with Padres fans. After a rollercoaster 2025 season and an offseason of roster turnover, San Diego could’ve easily taken a step back. Instead, Stammen’s message is setting the tone: the Padres aren’t here to fold - they’re here to fight.
Padres Still Have Firepower - Even After Key Departures
Let’s not forget: this Padres team still has plenty of talent. The core of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and rising star Jackson Merrill gives San Diego a potent mix of power, experience, and upside. And while the bullpen lost some names in free agency, it’s still considered one of the more formidable relief units in the National League.
That said, the Padres weren’t immune to offseason losses. Ryan O’Hearn, Robert Suarez, and Dylan Cease all departed via free agency.
And Luis Arráez? He could be next.
That’s a lot of production and depth heading out the door, especially on the pitching side.
But here’s the thing: if San Diego can patch up a few key areas - namely, starting pitching, first base, and maybe a second catcher - they’re not just a Wild Card hopeful. They’re a legitimate threat in the NL West.
A Rivalry Renewed - With New Faces at the Helm
The Dodgers-Padres rivalry has been one of the most intense in baseball over the past few years, and 2025 was no exception. Tempers flared, tensions rose, and the dugouts were never short on emotion - especially with two managers who didn’t exactly exchange holiday cards.
But with Mike Shildt no longer in the dugout, it’s now Craig Stammen’s job to carry that torch. And based on his early comments, he’s not just ready to compete - he’s ready to stir the pot a bit, too.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a fascinating one in the NL West. The Dodgers are stacking stars like it’s a video game, but the Padres aren’t playing scared. With a new voice in the clubhouse and a chip on their shoulder, San Diego’s looking to do more than just keep pace.
They want to take the fight straight to L.A. - and if they can shore up those final few roster spots, don’t be surprised if they do just that.