San Diego Padres 2018 Season Preview

The San Diego Padres had a rough 2017 campaign. However, they also showed why there is plenty of hope for the future.

At first glance, the San Diego Padres 71-97 record may not seem that great. Yes, it was a three game improvement over their 2016 performance, but that is hardly anything to be excited about. However, that record was 12 games better than their Pythagorean record, showing that they were able to win quite a few games they would not have been expected to.

Likewise, the future began to arrive in San Diego. Outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Manuel Margot showed a great deal of promise as rookies, leading to the hope that they will be building blocks for the future. Wil Myers continued to be a star, a key piece to the middle of the lineup. San Diego continued to supplement the lineup, making a major splash in free agency as they signed Eric Hosmer, as they hope he can be part of the answer in the middle of the lineup.

There are still holes in San Diego, particularly amongst the starting rotation. As it currently stands, Clayton Richard is listed as being the ‘ace’ of the rotation, although he would be a better fit as a fourth or fifth starter. There are plenty of promising youngsters coming through the ranks, and Danielson Lamet and Luis Perdomo have potential, but the pitching staff is holding the Padres back for now.

The future is bright for the San Diego Padres. Will the future arrive in 2018?