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San Diego Padres: 3 players who could be first-time All-Stars

By Dedrick Hendrix |
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 14: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres points into the crowd as he leaves the game during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on April 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 14: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres points into the crowd as he leaves the game during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on April 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
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Here are three San Diego Padres players who could be first-time All-Star Game selections.

Unexpectedly, the San Diego Padres are currently sitting at 32-21 and only three games behind the National League West leading Los Angeles Dodgers. They’ve been one of the most exciting teams to watch and exceptional on the road with a 19-11 record. Most of their success has been due to their pitching. According to MLB.com, they currently rank fifth in the NL in team ERA at 3.35, sixth in NL in strikeouts, and fifth in team WHIP.

When it comes to their success at the plate — not so much. They’re tied in last place in team homeruns and rank in the bottom half of the NL in team batting average and hits. Needless to say, they miss Fernando Tatis Jr. Manny Machado has been prodigious at the plate, but that’s nothing new.

With that being said, here are three guys that have taken strides and have been a huge attributions to the Padres’ remarkable play in the first half of the season that could become first-time All-Stars.

RHP Joe Musgrove

The time is now to go all in and extend Musgrove’s contract before the price tag increases. We’ve recently seen other guys receiving huge contract extensions like the Houston Astros giving Yordan Alvarez a six year extension worth $115 million. Talks have been ongoing between Musgrove and the Padres, but back in April was the last offer and it was rejected by Musgrove.

Essentially, every time he steps on the mound the price goes up. He’s been that good this season. He has a 6-0 record with a 1.64 ERA, and 0.92 WHIP. Not to mention, he almost threw a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers a couple of days ago.

Not only did he just outduel last year’s NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, but he solidified his name as a candidate for that award this year.  According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, The Padres are 9-1 when Musgrove starts. He is the biggest reason behind the Padres’ unparalleled play so far this season and not only will become a first-time All-Star, but if he continues this dominance on the mound, we got to start talking NL Cy Young possibilities.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

LHP Mackenzie Gore

I remember watching a young Mackenzie Gore on the mound for the Minor League affiliate Fort Wayne Tincaps back in 2018. Sometimes when you watch a young prospect in the minors you just know if that prospect will be a future star.

Gore’s confidence and overall poise on the mound has been a huge indicator towards his much improved approach on the mound this season.

All of the talk with the San Diego Padres has been centered around Musgrove, but let’s not overlook Gore’s 4-1 record, 1.50 ERA, and 1.06 WHIP. Gore has 18 less innings pitched than Musgrove, and only has seven fewer strikeouts (64-57). As a young pitcher, Gore attacks the strike zone with plus stuff and manages to get ahead on counts quickly. As an early candidate for the NL Rookie of the Year Award, Gore could also receive some recognition next month for the All-Star Game if he continues his overpowering play on the mound.

Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

OF Jurickson Profar

The last one was a tough decision for me between Taylor Rogers, Luis Garcia, and Jurickson Profar. While Rogers and Garcia have shown flashes of their potential, I had to give some love to Profar. As mentioned earlier, the San Diego Padres have been disenchanting to say the least (other than Machado and Hosmer). There has been one other bright spot at the plate, and that has been Profar. As great as Machado has been, Profar actually leads the team in RBI’s (26), and is second in doubles (11) and homeruns (6).

At 29 years old, Profar has fought to consolidate his name as an everyday outfielder in the league, and has done so this season. The most impressive part about Profar’s game is his heads up play in left field.

He has always received acknowledgment for his defensive play, but his improved bat has to be recognized as well. His average (.231) could use some work and overall consistency at the plate, but has been one of few highlights offensively for the San Diego Padres.

Next. The horrendous Robinson Cano signing. dark

He has also been the most patient hitter at the plate drawing a team-leading 27 walks this year. HIs improved play could result in receiving his first All-Star selection in July.

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