Spring training is supposed to be a time of optimism, but for the San Diego Padres, it has been anything but that. A 3-9 start in the Cactus League is not what fans wanted to see, and while spring training records don’t always mean much, they can certainly set the tone for a season. The Padres have looked sluggish, their pitching has been inconsistent, and their offense has been unreliable. Some of this could be attributed to players working out the kinks before Opening Day, but after an offseason of significant roster turnover, it’s fair to wonder if this team is truly ready to compete.
The reality is that this Padres team looks quite different from the one that took the field in 2024. Since November 4, they have lost several key players to free agency. Ha-Seong Kim, one of their most reliable infielders, elected free agency at the start of the offseason, leaving a hole in the middle infield. His versatility and strong defense were assets, and replacing him won’t be easy.
The catching situation also changed, as Kyle Higashioka, a key piece in the Juan Soto trade back in 2023, chose to sign elsewhere. His departure leaves the Padres in need of a solid backstop to handle their young pitching staff. Another significant loss was Jurickson Profar, who had a breakout season in 2024, hitting 24 home runs and earning his first All-Star selection. He was an unexpected offensive force, and his departure creates another gap in the lineup that the team must fill. David Peralta also hit the open market, further depleting the team’s outfield depth.
While the Padres did not make a blockbuster trade this offseason, they did complete a smaller deal with the Chicago White Sox. They acquired reliever Steven Wilson in exchange for outfielder Ben Gamel and minor league pitcher Logan Gillaspie. Wilson is expected to provide depth in the bullpen, giving them another option to bridge the gap to closer Robert Suarez. This was not a major move, but it does reflect the team’s focus on improving their pitching depth.
Beyond the trade with the White Sox, the Padres also made moves to solidify their roster. They signed free agent reliever Robert Suarez to a multi-year extension, ensuring that their bullpen retains some stability. They also secured the services of pitching coach Ruben Niebla for the long term, recognizing the value he brings in developing their young arms.
Despite these moves, questions remain. Offensively, the Padres now lack a true superstar in their lineup. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado will need to shoulder more of the load, and Xander Bogaerts must step up after an underwhelming 2024 season. The pitching staff, while deeper than last season, is also unproven in key areas. Can their young arms step up and contribute? Will the bullpen remain consistent? These are uncertainties that could define the Padres’ season.
Here’s the thing folks: Despite all the changes and the early spring struggles, there is still a pathway for the Padres to make the playoffs. The National League remains competitive, but the expanded postseason format gives them a fighting chance. The key will be getting the most out of their new acquisitions and ensuring that their stars perform up to expectations. If the rotation can hold up, if the offense can find enough consistency, and if the bullpen can remain reliable, this team has the potential to be in the mix come September.
With that… It won’t be easy, and the 3-9 spring training record is certainly concerning, but the season is long, and the Padres still have time to put the pieces together. Their winter moves were not flashy, but they focused on improving areas of need. If everything comes together, the Padres could still be a contender in 2025.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!