San Diego Padres

Draft History
2024
Steven Wilson - protection
12 - Yennier Cano
41 - Justin Topa

2023
MacKenzie Gore - protection
10 - Brandon Drury
26 - Luis Gonzalez
35 - Jack Suwinski
65 - Jordan Diaz
95 - Mark Leiter Jr.
125 - Romy Gonzalez
146 - Sheldon Neuse

2022
no protection
65 - Cal Raleigh
89 - A.J. Alexy
109 - Justin Steele
119 - Greg Diechmann
129 - Josh Sborz
145 - Dillon Peters

2021
Jake Cronenworth - protection
11 - Alejandro Kirk
41 - Josh Harrison
101 - Thomas Eshelman
131 - Kyle Finnegan
156 - Rangel Ravelo
161 - Hunter Pence

2020
Fernando Tatis Jr. - protection
18 - Shed Long
20 - James Karinchak
50 - Trent Thornton
80 - Adrian Morejohn
110 - Logan Allen
140 - Taylor Davis

2019
Brad Keller - protection
2 - Jake Bauers
25 - Diego Castillo
32 - Ji-Man Choi
62 - Alex Blandino
77 - T.J. McFarland

2018
Jorge Bonifacio - protection
9 - Luiz Gohara
39 - Brandon Woodruff
53 - Adam Engel
59 - Victor Caratini
60 - Andrew Knapp

2017
Raul Mondesi - protection
18 - Jeff Hoffman
44 - Whit Merrifield
99 - Jeremy Hazelbaker
108 - Andrew Triggs
138 - Albert Suarez

2016
Ryan Madson - protection
20 - Travis Shaw
26 - Cody Anderson
98 - Joey Butler
116 - Mike Montgomery

2015
Brandon Finnegan - protection
12 - Arismendy Alcantara
102 - Kyle Crockett
106 - Tsuyoshi Wada
132 - Blake Treinen
150 - Phil Coke

2014

Yordano Ventura - protection
45 - Ed Lucas
46 - Stephen Vogt
47 - Chris Withrow
76 - Anthony Recker
136 - Clete Thomas

2013
Joaquin Arias - protection
15 - Joe Kelly
45 - Jordant Valdespan
75 - Gorkys Hernandez
105 - Samuel Deduno
135 - Sandy Leon

2012
Brandon Belt - protection
23 - Eric Thames
53 - Andy Dirks
83 - Tim Collins
143 - Jason Grilli
146 - Cesar Ramos

2011
Javier Lopez - protection
52 - Wilson Valdez
69 - Clay Hensley
99 - Jason Bourgeois

111 - Casey Coleman
129 - Matt Stairs

2010
Buster Posey - protection
15 - Dan Hudson
27 - David Freese

2009
Pablo Sandoval - protection
21 - Aaron Cunningham
117 - Eric Stultz
128 - Alex Kinshaw
147 - Brandon Duckworth

2008
Tim Lincecum - protection

2001
36 - Keith Ginter
37 - Dave McCarty
51 - Vic Darensbourgh
62 - John Riedling

92 - Matt Whiteside

2025 San Diego Padres

2024: 96-66, 2nd place in the AL Central and top Wild Card position

Overview: 2024 was a very nice year in San Diego. The Padres improved 24 games in the win column and earned the top spot in the Wild Card. As was the case with many in the 2024 playoffs, they ran into the Seattle buzz saw. The Padres were eliminated 3 games to 1. This offseason, new management has come in and done their best Elon Musk impersonation and gotten rid of almost half the team. Don’t fret young Padre fan, as all the main stars are still here. There is just going to be a new group of supporting cast in 2025. Will it be enough to get back to the playoffs?

Starting Rotation: This unit took a hard hit when new management showed up. All that is left when the smoke cleared was Justin Steele and Reese Olson. Both of these guys are very solid and should fair well in their games. There are a couple others that have starting experience but look for the Padres to add 3 or 4 starting pitchers in the draft.

Bullpen: The Friars’ said goodbye to a large part of the backend of this pen. That being said, there are still some very nice and capable arms out there. The young Justin Martinez is a closer in waiting and he might not have to wait long. Roansy Contreras and Adrian Morejon are also very young and give them a nice right/left combo. Veteran fireballer Yennier Cano is still here and with fellow veteran Mark Leiter Jr will help stabilize the middle innings. Look for Brad Keller and Steven Wilson to possibly make an appearance here or there.

Designated Hitter: Speculation around the league is that Fernando Tatis could see the bulk of his playing time at DH. Tatis is coming back from injury and will probably be eased back into the outfield.

Outfield: Already one of the strongest outfields in the NBC, the Padres welcome top prospect Jackson Merrill to the group. He has given up his SS future to man centerfield. His presence is one reason Tatis can be slow played. Look for Merrill to be up for Rookie of the Year. Of course the Padres still have Mookie Betts. Betts has worked hard on his infield skills and could jump into 2B or SS if need be. He still seems like the choice in rightfield though. Ramon Laureano and Jack Suwinski could roam leftfield but that could change.

Infield: The San Diego Padres infield will be as reliable as the sun coming up. Each position is manned by someone who comes to the park ready. 3rd base will have Ryan McMahon and his gold glove caliber defense. He does offer some pop as well. Up the middle the Padres will have Jeremy Pena and Jake Cronenworth. This combo will play decent defense and be ok at the plate. Newly acquired Ty France will take over at 1st base in ’25. He is a nice piece for this team, though you would like a little more power. Other than Betts, there are no back ups on this squad. I’m sure by the end of spring training there will be a couple.

Catcher: The pitching staff will be controlled by Alejandro Kirk. SD has a very nice player in Kirk. He is young but entering his 3rd season of catching in the NBC. He brings some of everything, but most importantly he helps slow the running game.

Outlook: 2025 is a year of change or at least rearrange in San Diego. They have the parts to contend for a playoff stop. If they can draft enough starting pitching, at least one very good one and piece the rest of the rotation, then I think they will be a troublesome team to play against. What will management do? They have nine draft picks (5 in the 2nd round), so they could do it. They could also hope for continued success from the current guys and draft for the future. In 4 weeks we will find out.