3 players for San Diego Padres to target this offseason

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The 2022 campaign was both a disappointment and a success for the San Diego Padres.

On the negative side, they finished 22 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. On the positive side, they eliminated the Dodgers in the NLDS before falling to the Phillies in the championship series. Overall, the 2022 season was a positive, but there is work to be done.

Three players for San Diego Padres to target

The Padres have also seen several players that could make sense come off the board. Jose Abreu would have been a perfect fit in their lineup but he signed in Houston. Relievers that could have made a difference have come off the board. Tyler Anderson would have been a solid fit in the middle of the rotation with his ground ball ways, but he was snapped up by the Angels. Robert Suarez and Nick Martinez are back but that is not enough. It is time for the Padres to make something happen.

The 2022 season was a step in the right direction for the San Diego Padres. Let’s look at three players that can help them make the next leap.

Josh Bell

As it currently stands, the San Diego Padres are looking at Jake Cronenworth at first base with the idea of either playing Fernando Tatis Jr. at second or adding a shortstop to shift Ha-Seong Kim to second and Tatis to the outfield.

Instead, it may be better to bring in more of a proven power bat at the position. They already missed out on Jose Abreu who would have been a perfect fit in the lineup. Fortunately, there is another option available who would fit that need as well.

Josh Bell was the other piece that came to San Diego as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster. The former All Star and 2022 NL Silver Slugger winner struggled during his time with the Padres, posting a disappointing 75 OPS+ with three homers and five doubles in his 210 plate appearances.

However, Bell was able to get on base, drawing 32 walks in that time. He was still hitting the ball hard but ran into bad luck with his .233 batting average on balls in play. It is possible that he could be a bit of a bargain due to those struggles down the stretch, something that the Padres should take advantage of. Being back in a more familiar environment could make a difference as well, especially with a longer term deal in hand.

The San Diego Padres need another run producer in the lineup. Bringing Josh Bell back could make perfect sense.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Quintana

The San Diego Padres rotation has already taken a hit this offseason.

Mike Clevinger signed a one year deal with the White Sox as he looks to rebuild his value. Sean Manaea is likely heading elsewhere as well, leaving a second hole in the Padres rotation. While Nick Martinez could fill one of those spots, it would also make sense for the Padres to find another option in free agency.

Enter Jose Quintana. He had an impressive bounceback campaign in 2022, re-establishing himself as a viable major league option. Quintana posted a 2.93 ERA and a 1.213 WHiP in his 165.2 innings, striking out 137 batters with 47 walks. However, his most impressive number may be eight – the number of homers he allowed last season.

As an extreme ground ball pitcher, Quintana can be subject to the variances of batting average on balls in play. Those grounders can find holes and change the course of the game in a hurry. Having an impressive infield defense, such as is the case in San Diego, could make a tremendous difference, allowing Quintana to post another impressive season.

An elite infield defense and holes in the rotation make Jose Quintana a perfect fit for the San Diego Padres. He is another player that could prove to be a bargain.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Drury

The San Diego Padres have a distinct need for infield depth.

This is especially going to be the case with their plans to shift Jake Cronenworth to first base. While he had been the Padres’ primary second baseman last season, he also spent time at third and short, filling a valuable role as he was able to help the Padres cover injuries and off days. That could be lost as he would need to fill a very different role.

It would make sense to bring back another trade deadline acquisition. Brandon Drury could not only help fill the void at either first or second, but he would be able to provide that needed depth around the infield.

Drury could also help lengthen the Padres’ lineup. He posted a 122 OPS+ with 28 homers and 31 doubles over his 568 plate appearances between the Reds and Padres, numbers that continued to be solid after he came over the San Diego. He also appeared in over 25 games each at first, second, and third, providing the type of depth that any contending team could use.

The San Diego Padres need help in their infield. Bringing Brandon Drury back would help solve those problems.

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