Quote from Randy Manese on March 24, 2026, 1:47 pm

Before I try to make some predictions, have to air my pet peeve which is the inaccuracies of heights and weights on the published roster.  Does anyone actually believe Bradgley Rodriguez only weighs 160 pounds?

Anyway, my predictions are based on the Padres getting healthier and more competitive as the season wears on, including making at least one trade for another front-line SP.  With that caveat and a more productive offense than last year, 90 wins should be achievable with us battling the Giants and D-backs for wild card slots.

Since this is a veteran team, not really a breakout star, but an ascending star in Merrill.  Expect him to easily get 20/20 HRs/SBs and, more importantly, drive in 80+ runs.  On the pitching side, expect Morgan to show his full arsenal and become a dominating high leverage RP.

We haven't had a really healthy season in the last 3 years, so maybe with a little luck and guys getting the opportunity to show what they can do in a full season, I'm hoping for more happy days than down days.

GO PADRES!!!

Quote from BoosterSD on March 24, 2026, 2:23 pm

I think this entire season will boil down to Machado. If he takes a long time to warm up/get going again its going to be difficult to keep up with other Wild Card teams. If he can get the power working earlier this season, this could be a long lineup that does well, especially against some of the inferior pitching staffs that will be out there this season.

Quote from fenn68 on March 24, 2026, 2:24 pm

The final record as a lot to do with how the other teams progressed ... maybe better maybe worse. But think considering a full season the current Padres' roster is better over 162 games vs the 162 games in 2025 ... and the Padres won 90 games ... so (baring any major injury issues) see about 90 wins again.

Having (potentially) full seasons of Laureano, Fermin, Andujar, France, and Merrill is much improved over the Heyward, Gurriel, Diaz, Joe, Gonzalez, ... et all. making the offense (run production) deeper.

Relief pitching was the best in MLB and should be as good if not better with in my mind Miller for a full season is greater than Suarez. Morgan is now in for a full season and better depth with Rodriguez a call-up.

SP is the question but IF health keeps Pivetta, King, and Vasquez playing that is a decent #1-3. Buehler and Marquez likely are showcasing to remain after Musgrove returns (and to expectations) and Canning arrives (see him better than either Buehler or Marquez). Actually have a bit more faith in Buehler as a legit #4-5 SP, so see him as decent insurance.

Getting a playoff quality starting 5 out of those seven is not a stretch ... then layer in a top pen and a much improved offense and we should see winning for a team better than the 2025 team. No trades now ... keep the powder dry to properly target the highest need at the deadline.

90 wins and the playoffs.

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No real breakout choices with a veteran team and no high profile prospects ready to break into the roster.

Quote from LynchMob on March 24, 2026, 2:43 pm

From a comment I read about Patrick Bailey ...

Seven other catchers were right this spring as often as Bailey. None of them did so in as few attempts as Bailey, who had a 10-for-14 success rate. The only backstop with a higher rate of overturned calls in as many attempts was Freddy Fermin of the Padres, who went 12 for 16.

... I like it!

Quote from LynchMob on March 24, 2026, 3:27 pm

What's going on with Nestor Cortes?   Was his cameo with Padres at the end of last season that bad?  I think he's still a free agent ... so perhaps the Padres aren't the only team not interested ...

Quote from fenn68 on March 24, 2026, 3:42 pm

Quote from LynchMob on March 24, 2026, 3:27 pm

What's going on with Nestor Cortes?   Was his cameo with Padres at the end of last season that bad?  I think he's still a free agent ... so perhaps the Padres aren't the only team not interested ...

Had arm surgery last OCT (?) and is not scheduled to resume throwing until near the All-Star break ... so given ramp-up time he is unlikely to pitch in 2026.

Quote from ultratvfan on March 24, 2026, 5:46 pm

I sure wish we could get Skubal. Let's hope AJ can work his magic between now and the trade deadline.

 

Quote from fenn68 on March 25, 2026, 2:48 pm

Sources: Padres' Yu Darvish to restricted list amid surgery recovery

• 
  Alden Gonzalez

When this happens Padres do NOT pay Darvish ... Darvish does not count on 26 or 40 man rosters ... Padres remain control (for max of two years).

Depending on how the Padres already thought the Darvish pay decision would play out ... may or may not free up more funds (possible they already considered this when doing other signings).

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 26, 2026, 6:00 am

Restricted list means they aren't paying him.....can't due that just due to injury so they must have worked out some kind of agreement.....just haven't released the details yet.

MLBPA wouldn't allow them to just place him on restricted list to not pay him w/o some other agreement in place.