The San Diego Padres ran it back in 2025, finishing with a strong 90–72 record, good for second place in the National League West and another postseason appearance. But the October exit reinforced that they’re competitive, but not quite complete.
The core remains capable of contending, yet a few targeted upgrades at the Winter Meetings could be the difference between another solid season and their first deep playoff run in years. The uncertainty about ownership and payroll will be the big question.
1. Rebuild a thin rotation.
San Diego leans on one of the league’s better bullpens, but that strength also masked rotation issues throughout 2025. With Dylan Cease and Michael King leaving, the Padres have just three proven starters under contract. They need at least one — maybe even two — established arms to stabilize the group. A mid-rotation anchor would be a welcome floor-raiser, but a true No. 2 starter might be required if this club wants to take a real step forward.
2.Add power in the middle of the lineup.
This team can string together hits and do damage in spurts, but the offense too often leaned on timing instead of punch. A dedicated first-base or DH presence with legitimate home-run upside would lighten the load on their stars and prevent long scoring droughts. One thumping bat, someone who can change a game with a swing, would completely reshape how opponents pitch to this lineup.
3. Trade from bullpen surplus to fix the rest
The Padres have relief arms and roster depth that other clubs covet, and this is the moment to turn that into solutions elsewhere. Leveraging a few of those pieces in deals for rotation support or a corner bat allows San Diego to improve meaningfully without sacrificing its identity. A smart swap or two can fill holes, stretch the roster, and keep the window propped open.
The Padres don’t need a teardown or even a splashy overhaul. They need answers in the rotation, more power in the lineup, and the right deals to make everything click. At the Winter Meetings, the roadmap to a deeper October is clearly in front of them — it’s time to follow it.
