Padres 2021 Team Preview
Jan 10, 2021 12:13:40 GMT -5
Mariners GM (David), clevelandodcphil, and 1 more like this
Post by Padres GM (Noah) on Jan 10, 2021 12:13:40 GMT -5
Catchers:
Last season the team started with catchers Wilson Ramos and Salvador Perez, but by midseason shipped off the veterans in an effort to relieve salary. The team acquired prospects Keibert Ruiz and Meibrys Viloria to provide depth for the team's future at the position and Kurt Suzuki to fill-in as the team geared up for a playoff run. This was the team's weakest position going into the offseason and the team responded by acquiring Jorge Alfaro (for a package including Viloria) and Omar Narvaez to shore up the position.
Jorge Alfaro (Acquired via Cubs)*
Omar Narvaez (Acquired via Angels)*
Keibert Ruiz (Prospect - acquired via Pirates)
Chadwick Tromp (Waiver Claim)
First Basemen:
The Padres inked C.J. Cron last offseason, hoping that he could provide some inexpensive thump at first base. He responded with a knee injury and an abysmal season overall. Jesus Aguilar was acquired in a trade with the Reds for a package that included Cron. The team also inked reserve infielder Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year, $2.6 million dollar contract to provide depth at first base (and third base).
Jesus Aguilar (Acquired via Reds)*
Asdrubal Cabrera (Free Agent Signing)*
Second Basemen:
Incumbent second baseman Ozzie Albies looks like a long term fixture at the position for the Padres, with a long-term and inexpensive contract. Albies is coming off a stellar season, but missed time due to injury. Midseason acquisition Jurickson Profar did not return, signing a contract with the Yankees. Luis Urias (acquired in the Aguilar trade) will provide depth at the position along with Luis Rengifo, a former Rule V pick.
Ozzie Albies (Acquired via Cardinals)
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Luis Rengifo (Prospect - Rule V Draft)
Shortstops:
Similar to second base, Tim Anderson is a long-term fixture at the position (acquired in May of 2017) having performed well and controllable with an inexpensive extension. Urias will provide depth here as well. The team did ink elite shortstop Carlos Correa to a five-year, $110 million dollar contract, but they immediately flipped him to the Reds in a sign-and-trade transaction.
Tim Anderson (Acquired via Red Sox)
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Third Basemen:
Having lost superstar third baseman Kris Bryant to free agency after three seasons, one might think that the team is weak at the position. This is not the case, as third baseman Rafael Devers is one of the best performing infielders in baseball and is under control for two more seasons. Devers was acquired for a package led by Alec Bohm from the Red Sox with the foresight that the team could lose Bryant. They also acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes this offseason in the Carlos Correa deal. Luis Urias is able to play third base as well. This adds some short-term and long-term insurance.
Rafael Devers (Acquired via Red Sox)
Isaac Paredes (Acquired via Reds)*
Asdrubal Cabrera (Free Agent Signing)*
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Left Fielders:
The outfield is perhaps the most interesting area for the club. The team's left field crop is lead by incumbent Jesse Winker, who was acquired amidst a breakout season from the Blue Jays. The team also inked Tommy Pham to a three year contract, and Joc Pederson to a five year contract. While Pederson can play left field, it's more likely he will be filling in at right. Towards the end of last season, the team had been using a combination of Winker, free agent departure Jurickson Profar, and rookie Leody Taveras in left and center field. Outfielder Christin Stewart was expected to contribute significantly last season but is fresh off a disappointing campaign. He will provide depth at the position.
Jesse Winker (Acquired via Blue Jays)
Tommy Pham (Free Agent Signing)*
Christin Stewart (Acquired via Orioles)
Center Fielders:
The team will not be able to use Jesse Winker in center field this season, but they added an elite, new centerfielder to the mix this offseason. The Rays shipped Victor Robles to the Padres in exchange for ace Tyler Glasnow. The Padres felt that Robles filled a position of need and held more long-term control than Glasnow. They also added center fielder Austin Hays from the Reds in the Correa deal and retained impressive rookie Leody Taveras. In a midseason swap, the team acquired Magneuris Sierra from the Mets.
Victor Robles (Acquired via Rays)*
Leody Taveras (Prospect - acquired via Marlins)
Austin Hays (Acquired via Reds)*
Magneuris Sierra (Acquired via Mets)
Right Fielders:
This remains the Padres biggest weakness, only having recently signed outfielder Joc Pederson. The team lost outfielder Jorge Soler to free agency in a bidding war with the Cubs. They are hoping Pederson will provide value, but are actively looking for reinforcements at the position. It is likely they will wait until midseason to address this need.
Joc Pederson (Free Agent Signing)*
Designated Hitter:
The team did not acquire a dedicated designated hitter, as they will likely rotate bench pieces in order to provide flexibility here. Tommy Pham is expected to get the majority of the at bats, but look for Leody Taveras, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Isaac Paredes to get at bats as well. Some players, such as Jose Martinez and Christin Stewart, could be rebound candidates and see time depending on performance.
Starting Pitching:
The team's strength is its starting pitching, and despite losing Tyler Glasnow via trade, the core group remains intact. Gerrit Cole, Kenta Maeda, Justus Sheffield, Julio Urias, Framber Valdez, Triston McKenzie, Miles Mikolas, Cal Quantrill, and Erick Fedde were retained. Zach Davies and Carlos Rodon were acquired in separate trades with the Twins to provide short-term depth. Additionally, waiver claim Chris Flexen is expected to see some innings after spending time in the KBO. It is possible the team will look to add another front-line pitcher.
Gerrit Cole (Free Agent Signing)
Kenta Maeda (Acquired via Giants and Red Sox)
Framber Valdez (Acquired via Giants)
Justus Sheffield (Acquired via Giants)
Julio Urias (Acquired via Cleveland)
Triston McKenzie (Prospect - acquired via Marlins)
Zach Davies (Acquired via Twins)*
Miles Mikolas (Acquired via Rays)
Cal Quantrill (Acquired via Brewers)
Carlos Rodon (Acquired via Twins)*
Chris Flexen (Waiver Claim)*
Relief Pitching:
Relief pitching has historically been a weak spot for the Padres, but the team made an effort to change that this offseason. Last year, the team added Emilio Pagán to a bullpen led by incumbent Nick Anderson (acquired in an ill-fated trade sending first baseman Jose Abreu to the rival Giants). This year, they supplemented the bullpen by acquiring closer Edwin Diaz, and signing relievers Tyler Duffey and José Alvarado to free agent deals (worth a combined $27.5 million over the life of their contracts). The team also has homegrown Gregory Soto, who broke out last year and was a bright spot in the pen. They lost only Buck Farmer to trade.
Nick Anderson (Acquired via Giants)
Edwin Diaz (Acquired via Twins)*
Tyler Duffey (Free Agent Signing)*
Emilio Pagán (Acquired via Giants)
José Alvarado (Free Agent Signing)*
Gregory Soto (Prospect - Rule V Draft)
Next Steps:
The team is largely set, barring an opportunistic acquisition (perhaps a right fielder or top of the rotation starting pitcher) and the team will shift focus to its farm system and long term sustainability.
*Acquired this offseason.
Last season the team started with catchers Wilson Ramos and Salvador Perez, but by midseason shipped off the veterans in an effort to relieve salary. The team acquired prospects Keibert Ruiz and Meibrys Viloria to provide depth for the team's future at the position and Kurt Suzuki to fill-in as the team geared up for a playoff run. This was the team's weakest position going into the offseason and the team responded by acquiring Jorge Alfaro (for a package including Viloria) and Omar Narvaez to shore up the position.
Jorge Alfaro (Acquired via Cubs)*
Omar Narvaez (Acquired via Angels)*
Keibert Ruiz (Prospect - acquired via Pirates)
Chadwick Tromp (Waiver Claim)
First Basemen:
The Padres inked C.J. Cron last offseason, hoping that he could provide some inexpensive thump at first base. He responded with a knee injury and an abysmal season overall. Jesus Aguilar was acquired in a trade with the Reds for a package that included Cron. The team also inked reserve infielder Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year, $2.6 million dollar contract to provide depth at first base (and third base).
Jesus Aguilar (Acquired via Reds)*
Asdrubal Cabrera (Free Agent Signing)*
Second Basemen:
Incumbent second baseman Ozzie Albies looks like a long term fixture at the position for the Padres, with a long-term and inexpensive contract. Albies is coming off a stellar season, but missed time due to injury. Midseason acquisition Jurickson Profar did not return, signing a contract with the Yankees. Luis Urias (acquired in the Aguilar trade) will provide depth at the position along with Luis Rengifo, a former Rule V pick.
Ozzie Albies (Acquired via Cardinals)
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Luis Rengifo (Prospect - Rule V Draft)
Shortstops:
Similar to second base, Tim Anderson is a long-term fixture at the position (acquired in May of 2017) having performed well and controllable with an inexpensive extension. Urias will provide depth here as well. The team did ink elite shortstop Carlos Correa to a five-year, $110 million dollar contract, but they immediately flipped him to the Reds in a sign-and-trade transaction.
Tim Anderson (Acquired via Red Sox)
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Third Basemen:
Having lost superstar third baseman Kris Bryant to free agency after three seasons, one might think that the team is weak at the position. This is not the case, as third baseman Rafael Devers is one of the best performing infielders in baseball and is under control for two more seasons. Devers was acquired for a package led by Alec Bohm from the Red Sox with the foresight that the team could lose Bryant. They also acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes this offseason in the Carlos Correa deal. Luis Urias is able to play third base as well. This adds some short-term and long-term insurance.
Rafael Devers (Acquired via Red Sox)
Isaac Paredes (Acquired via Reds)*
Asdrubal Cabrera (Free Agent Signing)*
Luis Urias (Acquired via Reds)*
Left Fielders:
The outfield is perhaps the most interesting area for the club. The team's left field crop is lead by incumbent Jesse Winker, who was acquired amidst a breakout season from the Blue Jays. The team also inked Tommy Pham to a three year contract, and Joc Pederson to a five year contract. While Pederson can play left field, it's more likely he will be filling in at right. Towards the end of last season, the team had been using a combination of Winker, free agent departure Jurickson Profar, and rookie Leody Taveras in left and center field. Outfielder Christin Stewart was expected to contribute significantly last season but is fresh off a disappointing campaign. He will provide depth at the position.
Jesse Winker (Acquired via Blue Jays)
Tommy Pham (Free Agent Signing)*
Christin Stewart (Acquired via Orioles)
Center Fielders:
The team will not be able to use Jesse Winker in center field this season, but they added an elite, new centerfielder to the mix this offseason. The Rays shipped Victor Robles to the Padres in exchange for ace Tyler Glasnow. The Padres felt that Robles filled a position of need and held more long-term control than Glasnow. They also added center fielder Austin Hays from the Reds in the Correa deal and retained impressive rookie Leody Taveras. In a midseason swap, the team acquired Magneuris Sierra from the Mets.
Victor Robles (Acquired via Rays)*
Leody Taveras (Prospect - acquired via Marlins)
Austin Hays (Acquired via Reds)*
Magneuris Sierra (Acquired via Mets)
Right Fielders:
This remains the Padres biggest weakness, only having recently signed outfielder Joc Pederson. The team lost outfielder Jorge Soler to free agency in a bidding war with the Cubs. They are hoping Pederson will provide value, but are actively looking for reinforcements at the position. It is likely they will wait until midseason to address this need.
Joc Pederson (Free Agent Signing)*
Designated Hitter:
The team did not acquire a dedicated designated hitter, as they will likely rotate bench pieces in order to provide flexibility here. Tommy Pham is expected to get the majority of the at bats, but look for Leody Taveras, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Isaac Paredes to get at bats as well. Some players, such as Jose Martinez and Christin Stewart, could be rebound candidates and see time depending on performance.
Starting Pitching:
The team's strength is its starting pitching, and despite losing Tyler Glasnow via trade, the core group remains intact. Gerrit Cole, Kenta Maeda, Justus Sheffield, Julio Urias, Framber Valdez, Triston McKenzie, Miles Mikolas, Cal Quantrill, and Erick Fedde were retained. Zach Davies and Carlos Rodon were acquired in separate trades with the Twins to provide short-term depth. Additionally, waiver claim Chris Flexen is expected to see some innings after spending time in the KBO. It is possible the team will look to add another front-line pitcher.
Gerrit Cole (Free Agent Signing)
Kenta Maeda (Acquired via Giants and Red Sox)
Framber Valdez (Acquired via Giants)
Justus Sheffield (Acquired via Giants)
Julio Urias (Acquired via Cleveland)
Triston McKenzie (Prospect - acquired via Marlins)
Zach Davies (Acquired via Twins)*
Miles Mikolas (Acquired via Rays)
Cal Quantrill (Acquired via Brewers)
Carlos Rodon (Acquired via Twins)*
Chris Flexen (Waiver Claim)*
Relief Pitching:
Relief pitching has historically been a weak spot for the Padres, but the team made an effort to change that this offseason. Last year, the team added Emilio Pagán to a bullpen led by incumbent Nick Anderson (acquired in an ill-fated trade sending first baseman Jose Abreu to the rival Giants). This year, they supplemented the bullpen by acquiring closer Edwin Diaz, and signing relievers Tyler Duffey and José Alvarado to free agent deals (worth a combined $27.5 million over the life of their contracts). The team also has homegrown Gregory Soto, who broke out last year and was a bright spot in the pen. They lost only Buck Farmer to trade.
Nick Anderson (Acquired via Giants)
Edwin Diaz (Acquired via Twins)*
Tyler Duffey (Free Agent Signing)*
Emilio Pagán (Acquired via Giants)
José Alvarado (Free Agent Signing)*
Gregory Soto (Prospect - Rule V Draft)
Next Steps:
The team is largely set, barring an opportunistic acquisition (perhaps a right fielder or top of the rotation starting pitcher) and the team will shift focus to its farm system and long term sustainability.
*Acquired this offseason.