After a season that many believed to pan out, the Padres crumbled to pieces as their season ended on a 79-83 mark. Headlined by an overload of injuries, the San Diego Padres couldn’t maintain a healthy roster which triggered a treacherous downfall. The Padres now seek retaliation in support of their healthy and stable lineup. While the Padres will be void of superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. San Diego seems to attain a healthy status to this moment.
The Padres don’t seem to refrain from displaying a monster lineup. Conducted by Manny Machado and his peers, the Padres are bound for success. With emerging prospect C.J. Abrams on the hot seat, the young shortstop is awaiting the cue to the 40-man-roster. In addition, the Padres embellish a thorough and plausible rotation that exhibits its depth and durability. From Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove to Sean Manaea and Chris Paddack, the Padres have assembled a masterpiece. With Mike Clevinger likely to land on the injured list, the Padres must accommodate until his return. Nevertheless, the Padres begin a new chapter of their dynasty and seek to contend for their first World Series.
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Additions
Sean Manaea, LHP, Acquired from Oakland A’s
After six dominant seasons with the Oakland A’s, Manaea has relocated to San Diego to accommodate the Padres. In a package deal that sent Manaea to the Padres, the A’s received two prospects surfacing the majors; Infielder Euribiel Angeles and Adrian Martinez. Manaea is a great addition to capitalize on the first-rate rotation. The 30-year-old molds a 3.86 career ERA supported by a three-pitch repertoire. A heavy sinker polished off by a curveball and changeup.
Luke Voit, 1B, Acquired from New York Yankees
Following a slow and injury-prone 2021 season, Voit is due for a bounce back. In a trade-off with the Yankees, the Padres acquired Voit and dealt Justin Lange to the Bronx. Evidence in his 2020 season, Voit has a ton of power to attribute. Leading the league in home runs amidst a covid ruffled season, the stocky first-baseman was ecstatic. The Padres hope the veteran bat can reflect on his 2020 flourish.
Nick Martinez, RHP, One Year, $4 Million
After spending four years in Japan, Martinez has agreed to terms with the Padres on a one-year four-million-dollar contract. All the more so, Martinez could earn up to $25.5 million, on a player option from 2023 through 2025. The 31-year-old displays a 4.77 ERA in his phase in the majors. Martinez delivers a 5-pitch foundation, banking on his routine four-seam fastball.
Subtractions
Mark Melancon, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Following a stellar and all-star season, Melancon has made his way to the Diamondbacks. The veteran arm was set for free agency and struck a six-million dollar deal. Although, the Padres are mistaken to cease the elite reliever. While Melancon’s age might be open to doubt, the right-hander has defied the gossip. Blogging a 2.23 ERA in 2021, Melancon has become a force to reckon with.
Tommy Pham, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Pham agreed with the Reds on a one- year-deal which netted $7.5 million. Aside from his deficiency at the plate, Pham exhibits a stellar glove in left field. While many foresee Pham’s struggle at the plate to carry on, the veteran bat hopes to dig up the pop in his bat. Alluding to his 2017-2019 stretch, the veteran outfielder aspires to replicate that premiere.
Daniel Hudson, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Hudson, a veteran bullpen arm, has reached a deal with the Dodgers on a one-year deal. While Hudson displayed a scrappy frame with the Padres, he was fortunate to maintain a 3.31 season average. Hudson still has plenty of gas left in the tank and hopes to resume that setting. Nevertheless, the Padres lost out on a sturdy and authentic arm.
2022 Outlook
With Clevinger, Tatis, and Drew Pomeranz manning the current injured list, the Padres are optimistic all three will make a full recovery. Other than that, San Diego is healthy and ready to rumble. With an elite rotation paired with a polished lineup, manager Bob Melvin speaks highly of the Padres organization. From Machado at the hot corner to Jake Cronenworth and Trent Grisham, the Padres display a steadfast lineup.
The farm system, on the other hand, conveys young and ferocious faces ambitious to excel at the next level. Ushered by top prospect Abrams followed by several ascending stars. From Robert Hassell III to Luis Campusano and MacKenzie Gore, many of these prospects could see the majors at some mark in the season. Whether a starting role or a midseason callup, these prospects will be ready to retreat.
Prediction: 89-73
After a catastrophic closing to the 2021 season, the Padres seek vengeance. While an overloaded division supported by the Dodgers and Giants, the Padres must seize every opportunity to thrive. Whether a division title or feuding for a wild card spot, the Padres hope to achieve their season goals. Embodied by Bob Melvin and his staff, the organization has high hopes as we approach the fresh season.
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