Former San Diego Padres Making Impact in Their New Homes

The San Diego Padres may have an exciting team, but their former players are also making an impact elsewhere.

Since last August’s trade deadline, the San Diego Padres had one of the biggest roster turnovers in major league baseball. During this stretch, Padres general manager AJ Preller has acquired four quality starting pitchers (one on the mend), a starting catcher, and a few backend bullpen pieces. Unfortunately, the Friar Faithful were forced to say goodbye to a group of talented young players. Now, many of these former Padres are making an impact in their new homes.

The Friars have championship aspirations for the 2021 season as they developed a terrific core who has played together over the last few seasons. Keeping this group intact has not been as difficult as some might believe. Yet, a handful of talented players left the organization in trades and their major league futures look quite bright this year.

Luis Patino

It seems like forever that Luis Patino was a fixture atop of the Padres minor league prospect list. So, it will be a little weird to see him pitching in a different uniform and league at some point this season. Though the Friars did acquire a former Cy Young winner, Blake Snell, for him in the blockbuster trade last December. Let’s not forget that Patino took a major step in his professional career last summer. He began the season at the Padres alternate site before pitching in the postseason last October.

It did not take long for the Tampa Bay Rays to determine they have a special talent in Patino. During spring training bullpen sessions, the Rays coaching staff were amazed at how poised the young pitcher was on the mound. The one common word that was used to describe his pitching repertoire was electric. Right now, it is all about getting Patino to repeat his delivery, which will make it hard for opposing hitters to distinguished the difference between the right-hander’s fastball, slider, and changeup when coming out of his hand.

Patino will begin the start of the 2021 campaign at the Rays alternate site. But the odds are high that he will pitch in the majors either as a starter or in the bullpen.

Taylor Trammell

Stop me if you heard this one before as a Preller key acquisition at one trade deadline was unexpectedly dealt away at the next. But that occurred to Taylor Trammell who was acquired at the 2019 trade deadline from the Cincinnati Reds. Only to become the main piece in a blockbuster deal with the Seattle Mariners last summer.

Trammell is a bit of an enigma. He is a prized prospect who has failed to show any offensive consistency at the plate. It’s hard to imagine a player of this ability struggling so badly in the minors, especially with that sweet left-handed swing.

This spring, it did not take long for Trammell to make a name for himself in the Mariners camp. He was getting on base more, but it has been his power numbers that has caught everyone’s attention. In 45 spring training at-bats, Trammell had 14 hits with three home runs and six doubles. Hitting (.311) with more authority at the plate and being recognized as a defensive fielding wizard has garnered Trammell an opening day starting assignment in leftfield.

2021 could define if he is a five-tool baseball star and a cornerstone piece for the Mariners.

Joey Lucchesi

Former San Diego Padres pitcher Joey Lucchesi might have found a new home with the New York Mets as the team’s fifth starter in their rotation. What a contrast from a nightmarish 2020 season that saw Lucchesi become a forgotten option at the Padres alternate site.

The Mets were looking for an experienced pitcher and Lucchesi fits the description perfectly. He was a full-time starting pitcher for two seasons (2018-19) with the Padres. And it did not take long for Lucchesi to grab the lead in the competition. Quickly, he established his ability to change speeds and control the tempo of the game.

All of his new found success has come from throwing his fastball for strikes. It reminded Padres fans that Lucchesi did averaged 10Ks per nine innings in his rookie season with the ballclub. Having better control of his pitches has allowed him to become a more efficient starting pitcher. Hopefully, a return to form for a player looking to rebound in 2021.

Ty France

Another former Padre looking to make an impact in the Northwest is Ty France. He is projected to become the Mariners top option off the bench. France will see time in the lineup at a variety of (DH, 3B, 2B and 1B) positions this season.

The Mariners firmly believe France is a major league caliber hitter, but his defense is another story. Padres fans will remember his play at third as France’s range was limited. It seems his skill level is better suited for a long career in the American League.

His offensive numbers in the Cactus League were outstanding. France batted .327 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 19 games. Despite his defensive deficiencies, if France continues to hit at this pace, then his glovework will not keep him out of the lineup. It’s nearly impossible to think the Mariners will sit a batter who hits to all fields with power.