San Diego Padres Fans Should Not Sleep on Wil Myers

The majority of San Diego Padres fans are frustrated with the play of Wil Myers. But no one should sleep on that Myers is an integral part of the 2022 team. Let’s not forget that he has an important role at the bottom of the Padres batting order,

Wil Myers Value to San Diego Padres Lineup is Constantly Disputed

It is hard to imagine that Myers is heading into his eighth season with the team. He is only 30-years old, which might not be young in today’s Major League Baseball perspective. And we can all agree that Myers is not a star, but he is a decent contributor from the lower third of the batting order.

Myers is athletic enough to play all three outfield positions and first base. Plus, he is a gap power hitter who can steal bases. Still, the fans push back on his value to the everyday lineup.

The Friar Faithful’s frustration centers on his lack of production during the team’s subpar play in the second half of last season. Who could argue as 17 HRs and 63 RBIs do not cut it for a player making $22.5 million a year? But Myers was not alone in this area. His hot and cold streaks at the plate were not the sole reason why the Padres failed to contend for a postseason berth last season.

Could 2022 Be a Rebound Season For Wil Myers?

It is not out of the realm of possibility that Myers can rebound to have an outstanding 2022 campaign. He may never duplicate his power production (28 in 2016 and 30 in 2017) from when he first arrived in San Diego. But at least Myers can meet or exceed his career average in OBP (.330), SLG (.446) and OPS (.775) in 2022.

The Padres cannot afford stretches of hitting below .200 with no extra-base hits and a high strikeout ratio. Myers falls into the trap of trying to pull every pitch. It seems like he is swinging without a purpose. Opposing pitchers recognize this quickly and expand the strike zone on the slumping Friar.

Myers needs to have more competitive at-bats by becoming more disciplined at the plate. Myers is best when he is making contact with the baseball out in front of the plate. It allows him to use his power to all fields.

The fans cannot let their frustration cloud their judgment in seeing Myers importance to the lineup. And with the current makeup of the roster, there is no better choice than him to play at least 140 games in the outfield for the Padres.

San Diego Padres Could Decline Myers Option After 2022 Season

Myers has two more years to go on his current (six-year/$83 million) deal with the Padres. But the Friars hold a team ($20 million) option for the 2023 season, which they have no intention of exercising. So, no better time to begin playing for a new deal than right now.

Myers cannot afford another down season and expect a team to gamble on giving him a long-term commitment. The light is at the end of the tunnel to his career. But Myers can determine when the train arrives at the station. 2022 could be Myers’ last opportunity to earn a big-money payday.

Let’s not forget that Myers was on the fast track to the majors. A decade ago, he was one of the top hitting prospects in minor league baseball. Padres general manager A.J. Preller acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays because of his offensive potential.

Despite feeling the heat from the fans and media for not playing up to expectations, Myers can be productive in the lower half of the lineup each night.

Thus, there is a reason for optimism for him this summer.