4. San Diego Padres
After emerging as a late entrant in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes, the San Diego Padres came away with the top free agent this offseason. It just is not enough.
Obviously, that was not the only move the Padres made this offseason. They also signed Ian Kinsler, who will play at second until Fernando Tatis Jr. is ready for the major leagues. Garrett Richards signed a two year deal, but will miss the 2019 MLB season. Adam Warren was brought in to help shore up the bullpen. The Padres were fairly active, with an eye to the future.
The problem is that those moves were not enough. If San Diego is going to contend this year, they need to address the starting rotation. A rotation fronted by Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer just is not enough to contend in the NL West.
The pieces for the rotation are coming. Chris Paddack should make his debut this season, while the likes of MacKenzie Gore and Adrian Morejon should be up in the next year or two. With the pieces that the Padres have added to the lineup on long term deals, it is easy to see when they expect that window of contention to open.
The San Diego Padres time will come. It just will have to wait a bit longer.