The San Diego Padres were a game away from the NLCS last season against their rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the Dodgers are expected to represent the National League once again, the Padres are always mentioned as a team that can take them down. The Padres have not been afraid to spent in the past and will make moves at the deadline in order to compete. Tanner Scott left in free agency but San Diego has shown an ability and willingness to go get a deal done when necessary.

As for the players that are here, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado provide the star power at the top of the lineup. Luis Arraez is a hit machine that does not strike out while Jackson Merrill has emerged as the next star in the National League. Throw Xander Bogaerts into the mix and the Padres are as well-equipped as any team to make a run in the National League.

The issue for San Diego in recent years has been health. In the pitching rotation, Michael King acts as the ace after coming over from the New York Yankees in the Juan Soto trade last year. Dylan Cease was a name thrown around trade rumor this offseason but was not moved. This is the main piece that could be moved at the deadline so the Padres could upgrade elsewhere.

San Diego will compete for one of the top wild card spots in the National League once again this season. Once they are in the tournament, they are a tough out.

2025 San Diego Padres Season Preview

Major Additions: Nick Pivetta, Kyle Hart, Jason Heyward, Connor Joe

Key Losses: Tanner Scott, Kyle Higashioka, Jurickson Profar, Martin Perez

Potential Lineup

1. Luis Arraez, 2B
2. Fernando Tatis Jr., OF
3. Jackson Merrill, OF
4. Manny Machado, 3B
5. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
7. Gavin Sheets, DH
8. Jason Heyward, OF
9. Elias Diaz, C

Potential Rotation

• Michael King
• Dylan Cease
• Nick Pivetta
• Randy Vasquez
• Kyle Hart

Record Prediction

The National League will have wild card teams that are over 90 wins. This seems to be the magic number with the overall depth of teams in the league. San Diego will be among teams contending for the spot but will it be able to get to 90? There will be some health issues and some problems at the bottom of the lineup. Expect San Diego to contend once again, even in a difficult NL West.

Final Record: 86-76