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MLB Rankings: Five teams that improved most for 2021

By Adam Taylor McKillop

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Noah Syndergaard of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during a spring training game. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Noah Syndergaard of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during a spring training game. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

The San Diego Padres are serious World Series contenders

The San Diego Padres began their serious aspirations for a World Series title back in 2019. Over the past two seasons, Fernando Tatis Jr. has emerged as a bonafide superstar while San Diego also brought in big names like Mike Clevinger and Manny Machado.

Despite the additional star power, the Padres fell short last season. San Diego finished six games back of the eventual-champion Dodgers. Instead of remaining with that roster construction, management went back to the drawing board. The Padres are now one of the biggest offseason spenders.

In December, San Diego brought in starting pitching help with Blake Snell and Yu Darvish. The team also solidified its bullpen with the addition of veteran Mark Melancon. Padres management didn’t shy away from improving its lineup and positional player depth. Japanese sensation Ha-Seong Kim was signed for depth behind Tatis Jr. and Machado while he’ll compete for a starting role at second base. Jurickson Profar was also re-signed.

San Diego’s biggest offseason splash came with the record-breaking 14-year, $340 million contract extension for Tatis Jr. The Padres now have a deep roster, from top to bottom, and will play meaningful baseball this October.

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