The anticipation is over, and it's time to dive into some baseball action as the Cactus League kicks off. For the San Diego Padres, this month is pivotal as they gear up to host the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day, March 26, at Petco Park. The fans are eager to see if this season’s roster will bring the fire.
But before we get to the opener, the Padres have some important decisions to make:
First Base and Designated Hitter Decisions
The battle is on for who will claim the starting spots at first base and designated hitter. With contenders like Nick Castellanos, Ty France, Miguel Andujar, and Gavin Sheets, the competition is fierce in Peoria. The Padres’ strategy is to let the Cactus League games reveal who deserves to be in the lineup come 2026.
While everyone has their favorites, performance during these games will be the deciding factor. If we were to speculate, Castellanos might start at first with France stepping in for late-innings defense. Meanwhile, Andujar and Sheets could share duties as the designated hitter.
However, things could shift, especially if Castellanos struggles defensively as he adapts to a new position. Manager Craig Stammen might opt to use Castellanos primarily as a DH to bolster the infield defense. After all, giving opponents extra outs is a recipe for trouble.
One thing is clear: Castellanos will play a significant role in the Padres’ offensive lineup this season.
Who Will Be the Fifth Starter?
The role of the fifth starter is crucial for the Padres' success in 2026. With the addition of Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and Griffin Canning, the competition is intense, and Stammen has a significant decision to make.
Typically, teams prefer a seasoned pitcher in this role, someone who knows how to navigate through games without overtaxing the bullpen. A veteran presence can be invaluable, avoiding the pitfalls that young pitchers might fall into, like leaving a mess for the bullpen to clean up.
It's still uncertain if a pitcher who doesn't make the starting rotation might become a long-relief option. Stammen doesn’t need to decide just yet, but experience as a reliever could be a deciding factor.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a fifth starter who can exceed expectations and innings limits. The Padres have plenty of quality options to consider.
Final Bench Spot: Glove or Bat?
Last year's Padres bench was full of veterans but lacked offensive punch. This year, the bench seems to be shaping up with players from the first base and DH competition, along with candidates like Sung-Mun Song and Luis Campusano.
The decision often boils down to whether the team needs a strong defensive glove or a potent bat. Ideally, they want a versatile veteran who can handle multiple positions and contribute offensively.
Stammen’s choice might depend on the number of relievers on the roster in the early weeks of the season. With several off days, the Padres might initially carry an extra position player, but that flexibility won’t last long.
As the Padres navigate these decisions, fans can look forward to an exciting start to the season.