San Diego Padres Field Potent Roster Needed To Catch The Dodgers

Forbes

03-04-2025

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres (L) shakes hands with ... More General Manager A. J. Preller after announcing a contract extension before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park on April 02, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by)
The defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a tremendous start.
There is no question the Dodgers are the team to beat in the National League West Division.
But don't write off the dynamic San Diego Padres.
Don't think the Arizona Diamondbacks aren't also gunning for the Dodgers.
But the Diamondbacks story is for another day.
The San Diego Padres are a fascinating, and intriguing team.
The Padres are relentless.
The Padres have made consequential moves to position their club for long-term success.
Very active in the Major League Baseball free agent market this offseason, the Padres added the following veteran position players, and pitchers to their already credible major league roster:
Gavin Sheets-DH-Age 28-Bats Left (Sheets can play the outfield and first base)
Jason Heyward-OF-Age 35-Bats Left
Martin Maldonado-C-Age 38-Bats Right (will be the likely backup to Elias Diaz)
Yuli Gurriel-1B-Age 40-Age 40-Bats Right
Jose Iglesias-INF-Age 35-Bats Right
Nick Pivetta-RHP-Age 32
Kyle Hart-LHP-Age 32
Each of those new faces adds depth to an already winning roster that features a blend of power, speed, and excellent baseball talents.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts after scoring a ... More run against the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day at Petco Park on March 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by)
The Padres have an ideal mix of veterans, with a sprinkling of exciting younger players to create a very complete roster.
The Padres just extended the contract of budding star outfielder, Jackson Merrill. It is being reported on Padres.com, that Merrill signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension
fangraphs.com lists the Padres estimated 2025 payroll to be $211 million.
When a team has a lineup that includes power, speed, and players capable of hitting in the clutch with superb pitching, it is a recipe for success.
The Padres push the envelope by stealing bases, going for the extra base, and forcing the opposition to errors.
Yes. Relentless is the word.
Not to slight the bottom half of the Padres normal starting lineup, but these first four hitters form an extremely difficult quartet of talented, All Star quality hitters.
Fernando Tatis Jr.-RF-Age 26
Luis Arraez-1B-Age 28
Manny Machado-3B-Age 32
Jackson Merrill-CF-Age 32
The Padres can put a number of runs on the board before the opposition has a chance to catch their breath.
If the offense doesn't perform on a given day, the pitching staff can hold the opposition at bay,
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against ... More the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Petco Park on April 01, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by)
Michael King-RHP-Age 29 (a converted reliever, who has had tremendous success starting)
Dylan Cease-RHP-Age 29 (a potential free agent, Cease is a strikeout wizard)
Randy Vasquez-RHP-Age 26 (threw six scoreless innings in his first start this year)
Nick Pivetta-RHP-Age 32 (threw seven, one-hit, shutout innings in his first 2025 start)
Kyle Hart-LHP-Age 32 (got a win in his first start this season)
The Padres also feature an outstanding bullpen, led by closer Robert Suarez.
The Padres have structured their pen to include four left-handers, a rare feature in today's MLB.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after ... More hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Peoria Stadium on March 10, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by)
The Padres have won their first seven games this season. Their best start in history.
The aggressive Padres are structured to keep their team in games, with a roster capable of coming back from a deficit, or avoiding a lengthy losing streak.
With their 93-69 record, last year, the Padres finished second in the NL West, behind only the Dodgers.
The Padres then lost the NL Division Series, 3-2, to the World Series Champion Dodgers.
The net result? The Padres are gunning for the Dodgers.
Given the balanced talents of their roster, their motivation to get to the World Series, and the support they get from a sellout crowd almost every game, the Padres should be in the championship chase all the way through the playoffs.
There is one potential hiccup for the Padres. Among others, King, Cease, and Arraez will all be eligible for free agency. King has a mutual 2026 option with the club.