3 moves for San Diego Padres this offseason
The San Diego Padres had so much promise heading into the 2021 season. And then the season actually happened.
The Padres hung around in the Wild Card chase, holding the second spot for most of the season before collapsing. It was a shocking end for a team that had spent all offseason in an arms race with the Dodgers, ending the season below .500. Manager Jayce Tingler was fired, the team seemed to be in disarray, and there were questions as to whether or not the fantasy squad assembled in San Diego would ever meet expectations.
How the San Diego Padres can live up to their potential
The first step has already happened. The Padres surprisingly hired Bob Melvin as their new manager, putting a respected veteran leader in the dugout. While there is still plenty more work to be done, he is a great first step towards that goal.
The San Diego Padres have the potential to be a powerhouse. Here are three moves that can help them live up to those expectations.
A long talk with Fernando Tatis Jr.
One of the enduring images of the San Diego Padres collapse in 2021 involves two of their biggest stars.
The video of Manny Machado screaming at Fernando Tatis Jr. in the dugout following Tatis striking out encapsulated the end of the season. Two players who were expected to be leaders were seen taking out their frustrations – Tatis on an umpire after a strikeout and Machado on Tatis for failing to realize the importance of the situation as the season was slipping away.
In the end, Machado was right. That plate appearance was not about Tatis. He had to shake off that bad call and focus on the next pitch instead of giving away the at bat. It was also a reminder that Tatis, for as much as the Padres are counting on him going forward, is still extremely young and has some maturing to do.
It is also a conversation that the Padres need to have with Tatis. He is the face of the franchise, his every move scrutinized due to his massive extension. He needs to show more maturity and leadership despite his youth, especially as the team is building around him.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is a key part of the San Diego Padres’ future. They need to remind him about that.
Find a taker for Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer was a key signing for the San Diego Padres. When he was inked to an eight year deal prior to the 2018 season, he showed that the Padres were serious about building a contending team.
A lot has changed in those four years. The Padres have one of the more talented rosters in the game, even if it has resulted in only one playoff appearance. In that time, Hosmer has gone from a symbol that the Padres are ready to contend to a player that they are looking to rid themselves of.
The problem is that, as solid of a player as he may have been with the Royals, he has not been the same in San Diego. His defensive metrics have slipped, removing a portion of his value. Hosmer has also produced a 102 OPS+ with 61 homers and 94 doubles in his 2065 plate appearances with the Padres.
This is also something that the Padres are aware of. They made a brief attempt to deal him at the trade deadline and were reportedly willing to attach a top prospect in their system to make a deal happen. With several teams in need of a first baseman, it is time to revisit those trade attempts once more, even if it means adding that prospect or taking on a large portion of his remaining salary.
Eric Hosmer had been a sign that the San Diego Padres were looking to contend. Now, he is someone that they need to move on from.
Bring back Mark Melancon
The San Diego Padres took a chance on Mark Melancon late in the offseason, signing him to a $2 million contract with a mutual option for 2022.
Needless to say, that contract worked out for San Diego. Melancon had an excellent year, leading the majors with 39 saves while posting a 2.23 ERA and a 1.222 WHiP over his 64.2 innings, striking out 59 batters with 29 walks. He has gone from an afterthought to being one of the top closers available in free agency.
That is not to say that he should be considered a given. Melancon’s 3.5 BB/9 rate was the highest of any of his full seasons in the majors. And, as he will be 37 years old at the start of the 2022 season, one has to wonder how long he can perform at a high level.
But that is a chance that the Padres should take. They have a solid bullpen, but could be undone by putting the ninth inning into the hands of an unreliable option. Melancon may not be the closer he once was, but he remains a strong option to slam the door on the opposition. The Padres need that.
Next. 2022 Padres will benefit from Bob Melvin. dark
Mark Melancon showed that he can still be an excellent closer in 2021. The San Diego Padres need to bring him back.