MLB: NL West Preseason Division Predictions
By Matt Meffe
Last Place: San Diego Padres
Projected Record: 69-93
In a three-day time period in the 2014-15 offseason, the San Diego Padres went from a mediocre team to a contender. On paper, the moves made within those three days, along with some other acquisitions made throughout the offseason, made San Diego a contender going into 2015.
Sadly, the season did not play out as expected, and instead of contending, the Padres fell back into bad habits. In the 2015-16 offseason, most of the acquisitions made the previous year were gone, and the Padres entered rebuild mode. The team finished in last place in the NL West.
The Padres had many weaknesses offensively. San Diego had the worst batting average in MLB, along with the second-most strikeouts. The Padres were also among the worst teams in other offensive categories, such as on-base percentage and runs scored. In the offseason, the team remained relatively stagnant. Minor moves were made, such as the signings of Jered Weaver and Trevor Cahill. However, the Padres remain in rebuild mode, and another disappointing season is expected in 2017.