The San Diego Padres concluded the 2024 Major League Baseball season with a record of 93 wins and 69 losses. This performance secured them the second spot in the National League West Division, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by five games. Their 93 victories marked the second-highest win total in franchise history, underscoring a season of resilience and competitiveness.
Offensive Highlights
The Padres’ offense was a driving force throughout the season. They collectively achieved a batting average of .263, tying for the highest in the majors. Their on-base-plus-slugging percentage (OPS) stood at .745, ranking them sixth in the league. Key contributors included:
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Despite missing nearly 60 games due to a leg injury, Tatis Jr. maintained a batting average of .276, hitting 21 home runs and accumulating 49 RBIs. His dynamic presence added depth and power to the lineup.
Manny Machado
Machado served as a cornerstone of the Padres’ offense, consistently delivering clutch hits and showcasing defensive excellence at third base.
Pitching Performance
The pitching staff complemented the offensive efforts effectively. The team recorded a collective Earned Run Average (ERA) of 3.86, placing them 12th in the league. They also amassed 1,453 strikeouts, ranking sixth. Notable pitchers included:
Yu Darvish
Despite being limited to 16 starts due to injuries, Darvish’s experience and skill set remained invaluable to the rotation.
Joe Musgrove
Musgrove consistently delivered quality starts, playing a pivotal role in stabilizing the pitching staff.
Postseason Journey
In the postseason, the Padres faced the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series. They showcased their dominance by sweeping the Braves in a best-of-three series. Advancing to the National League Division Series (NLDS), they encountered their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The series was intensely competitive, extending to five games. Ultimately, the Padres were eliminated, highlighting areas for improvement as they aim for deeper postseason runs in the future.
Leadership and Management
Managerial Influence
The 2024 season marked Mike Shildt’s inaugural year as the Padres’ manager. Under his leadership, the team achieved a significant turnaround from the previous season’s 82-80 record. Shildt’s strategic approach and emphasis on fundamentals resonated with the players, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. His prior experience, including being named National League Manager of the Year in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals, brought a wealth of knowledge to the Padres’ clubhouse.
Front Office Decisions
General Manager A.J. Preller continued to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s roster. His aggressive approach in acquiring talent, both through trades and free-agent signings, demonstrated the organization’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The synergy between the front office and the coaching staff was evident in the team’s on-field performance.
Offseason Movements: Additions and Departures
Notable Departures
The offseason witnessed several key players departing from the Padres, necessitating strategic adjustments. Significant exits included:
Jurickson Profar
An outfielder known for his versatility and clutch hitting.
Tanner Scott
A left-handed pitcher who contributed effectively out of the bullpen.
Kyle Higashioka
A catcher recognized for his defensive skills and handling of the pitching staff.
David Peralta
An experienced outfielder who provided depth to the lineup.
Donovan Solano
An infielder valued for his contact hitting and infield versatility.
Martín Pérez
A starting pitcher who delivered consistent performances throughout the season.
Elias Díaz
A catcher who offered both offensive and defensive contributions.
Strategic Additions
In response to these departures, the Padres focused on bolstering their roster through key acquisitions:
Connor Joe
An outfielder acquired to enhance the team’s offensive depth and provide versatility in the outfield positions.
Jason Heyward
A veteran outfielder known for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities, aiming to bring experience to the clubhouse and stability to the outfield defense.
Prospects and Farm System
Evolving Farm System
The Padres’ farm system underwent notable changes during the offseason. Twelve of the previous year’s Top 30 prospects were traded to other organizations, reflecting the team’s aggressive strategy to win in the short term. Despite these departures, the organization remains optimistic about its remaining prospects, focusing on developing talent to sustain long-term success.
Emerging Talents
Several prospects are poised to make an impact in the near future:
Jackson Merrill
An infielder known for his defensive skills and potential at the plate.
Ethan Salas
A catcher with a strong arm and promising offensive capabilities.
Robby Snelling
A left-handed pitcher with a developing repertoire and high ceiling.
2025 Season Projections
ZiPS Projections
The 2025 ZiPS projections offer insights into the Padres’ potential performance:
Yu Darvish
Entering his age-38 season, Darvish is projected to achieve a 2.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), doubling his previous season’s output. His health and consistency will be pivotal for the rotation.
Offensive Lineup
The projections highlight a strong lineup, with key players expected to maintain or improve their performance levels.
Depth Concerns
While the starting lineup appears robust, concerns about depth, particularly in the pitching staff, persist. Addressing these areas will be crucial for sustained success.
Division Standings Predictions
The National League West is anticipated to be highly competitive in 2025:
Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite high-profile departures and new acquisitions, the Dodgers are expected to remain formidable contenders.
Arizona Diamondbacks
With significant upgrades, including the acquisition of pitcher Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks could challenge for the division title.
San Francisco Giants
Improvements in both offense and pitching make them a team to watch, though concerns about the form of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander exist.
San Diego Padres
Some projections place the Padres second in the division, while others suggest a fourth-place finish, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the upcoming season.
Challenges and Opportunities
Pitching Depth
Ensuring depth in the pitching staff remains a primary challenge:
Yu Darvish’s Health
His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level is critical.
Bullpen Composition
Several pitchers are competing for key roles, making the bullpen race particularly intense.
Offensive Consistency
Maintaining offensive production is essential:
Integration of New Acquisitions
Seamlessly incorporating players like Connor Joe and Jason Heyward into the lineup is vital.
Performance of Core Players
Ensuring that stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado remain productive and healthy will drive the team’s success.
Fan Expectations
The Padres’ fan base holds high expectations for the 2025 season:
Survey Insights
Recent surveys indicate that fans anticipate a deep postseason run, reflecting their confidence in the team’s direction.
Community Engagement
The organization continues to engage with the community, fostering a strong connection between the team and its supporters.
Wrapping Up
The San Diego Padres enter the 2025 season with a blend of optimism and caution. Their 2024 performance showcased their potential, but the upcoming season presents.
FAQs
What was the Padres’ record in the 2024 season?
The San Diego Padres finished the 2024 season with 93 wins and 69 losses, securing second place in the National League West Division.
How did the Padres perform in the 2024 playoffs?
The Padres defeated the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a competitive five-game National League Division Series.
Who were the key departures from the Padres’ roster in the offseason?
Notable departures included Jurickson Profar, Tanner Scott, Kyle Higashioka, David Peralta, Donovan Solano, Martín Pérez, and Elias Díaz.
What major signings did the Padres make for the 2025 season?
The Padres acquired Connor Joe and Jason Heyward to strengthen their outfield and offensive lineup.
What are the Padres’ biggest challenges for the 2025 season?
Pitching depth, consistency in offensive production, and integrating new players into the roster remain the key challenges for the Padres in 2025.