San Diego Padres 2017 Team Preview
By Joe Favia
King of the Hill?
Trevor Cahill might just work his way back into a starting rotation after signing as a free agent in January. The 29-year-old right hander won 18 games in 2010, a season in which he made his only All-Star appearance. But he hasn’t started more than 20 games in a season since 2013. The Padres could really use his early career production where he hovered around 200 innings pitched.
Chacin Comes to the 619
Another starting rotation hopeful is Jhoulys Chacin. Chacin’s best season came in 2013 with the Rockies, when he led the team in wins and WAR. Signing with the Padres in the offseason, this will be his third team in the NL West, which he must be very familiar with by now.
Southern California Connection
Taking the I-5 down an hour and a half this season is Jered Weaver. Weaver had spent all of his career that started in 2006 with the Angels, but will be a much-needed veteran on the staff in San Diego this season. The three-time All-Star Weaver has seen his ERA blimp to 4.64 and 5.06 over the last two seasons, respectively. Weaver has led the league in wins twice, however, and perhaps he can find a career renaissance with a new team.
Out of those three options, someone should be able to exceed the results given by Edwin Jackson when they take the bump.
Familiar Faces
One of the biggest additions for a full season will be steady playing time for exciting young outfielder Manuel Margot. Margot, who was acquired in the Craig Kimbrel deal with Boston, is currently rated as the #23 best prospect in baseball by MLB.com. With exceptional speed and defensive skills, Margot has time to learn with limited pressure, as the Padres don’t measure to be a contender in the NL anytime soon.
Hunter Renfroe is another outfielder who should make a sizable impact on the Padres’ lineup this season. With the chance to hit behind the established Wil Myers, Renfroe could be the power bat that the Padres need, and as soon as this season could hit anywhere from 25 to 30 home runs.