San Diego Padres 2026 Preview: Team Will Be Good Enough To Make Playoffs, But Stand No Chance Against Los Angles Dodgers

The Padres are a good team. They will make the playoffs. However, that is likely to be as a wildcard team. They are chasing the Dodgers. However, their stars make them fun to watch.

After making several trades for big players, the minor league cupboard is pretty bare. The Padres, therefore, need good health from their aging stars. They do not have good news on probable third starter Joe Musgrove, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery. Do you think the Padres have a chance to win the division?

Padres 2026 Preview

Pitching

Nick Pivetta was just signed to a long-term deal. He has become a complete pitcher and had a great season in 2025. Michael King was also re-signed, and with Pivetta, they make a great 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Musgrove is the likely third starting pitcher, though he will begin the season on the injured list. Randy Vasquez and German Marquez fill out the rest of the rotation. However, the depth is probably not there to compete with the top of the division.

The closer is one of the best in the business in Mason Miller. He pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and throws an incredible 102 miles an hour. Behind Miller, the Padres have a bevy of talented arms. Adrian Morejon walked just two per nine innings. Jason Adam is a key setup guy, but he suffered a ruptured quad tendon yesterday. Jeremiah Estrada has swing and miss stuff. Wandy Peralta adds left-handed depth.

Hitting

Freddy Fremin was acquired via trade last season. He is an excellent defensive catcher. He is backed up by 28-year-old Luis Campusano. Interestingly, the left side of the infield cost $50 million. Manny Machado mans third base, and Xander Bogaerts is the shortstop. They are dangerous hitters and good defenders, though they are getting older and are signed until the middle 2030s.

On the right side of the infield, Jake Cronenworth will play second base. He is best characterised as a utility player. Gavin Sheets is the first baseman. Though recently signed Nick Castallasnos backs him up and will see some time at first.

The outfield stalwart for the Padres is Fernando Tatis Jr. He is a star and the face of the franchise. The centerfielder is young Jackson Merrill. In right field is Ramon Laureano. They are both excellent defenders and hitters with some pop who get one base.

The team lacks a true designated hitter. This position will be manned by the likes of Machado, Bogarts, Tatis Jr., and Laureano, who can all get half days off as the designated hitter.

Organization and Management

In terms of organization and management, Owner Peter Seidler died in 2023, and AJ Preller runs the show. The question is, with several aging stars signed to expensive and long-term contracts, how long will Preller stick with this roster, especially if they fall behind in the division? Rookie Manager Craig Stammen will man the dugout.

Parting Shots

This is likely a 90-95 win team with some health and the stars playing to the backs of their baseball cards. However, they are not as good as the Dodgers, and they will likely finish second in the division to the two-time defending World Series champions. This is probably a wild card team, and we will see if Preller and Stammen decide to trade away established stars for younger talent.