By Visual Tejeda – November 2, 2024, 10:47 AM

As the offseason sets in and the dust from the World Series settles, Padres fans are left with one question: what will San Diego do to put together a team built to win it all in 2025? The Padres have the building blocks of a championship squad, with franchise cornerstone Manny Machado at third, an explosive Fernando Tatis Jr. in the outfield, and rising star Jackson Merrill ready to make an impact. But beyond those names, there are gaps to address, and the question is, where should the Padres invest?

The key to success won’t be in overpaying for talent we don’t need. It’ll be in making strategic moves to solidify positions where we lack depth, while relying on the strong core of players already in place. Here’s a blueprint for how the Padres can fill the remaining holes and put together a roster that can go the distance.

Priority #1: The Big Bat at First Base

This offseason, the Padres should focus on locking down a game-changing first baseman—someone who can anchor the lineup and provide Machado with protection in the order. Pete Alonso and Christian Walker both fit the bill. Either player could bring the power we need at first, giving the Padres a consistent threat to drive in runs and make opposing pitchers nervous. Yes, this is the one position where spending makes sense. It’s a move that could elevate the entire offense, allowing everyone around that big bat to see better pitches and increase production.

Versatility in the Infield and Outfield

With Alonso or Walker at first, we’ll have options to get creative across the rest of the infield. Xander Bogaerts, who did well at second base, could stay there if we keep Cronenworth in the infield mix. But if needed, Jake Cronenworth, with his experience as a utility player, could step into the outfield and fill gaps as needed. It’s a setup that lets us shift our players around, using the versatility we already have to avoid paying top dollar for replacements we don’t need.

Addressing Left Field and Catcher Without Breaking the Bank

Jurickson Profar’s likely move to free agency means left field is open, but this might be where we trust a prospect or make a smaller signing rather than a big splash. We need reliability, not extravagance. The same goes for catcher. Re-signing Kyle Higashioka, who knows our pitchers, would be a solid move. With Higashioka, we don’t need to bring in a brand-new catcher, and we can let our pitching staff thrive with familiar guidance behind the plate.

Pitching Depth: Plugging In for Stability

No contender goes far without pitching depth. But instead of overspending here, the Padres would benefit from filling bullpen roles and adding one solid starting option to supplement our rotation. By giving prospects like Victor Lizarraga a chance to shine, we can keep pitching affordable while still creating a rotation that can shut down the league.

Closing Thoughts

This strategy boils down to one thing: make the most of what we already have. Don’t waste time chasing high-priced players who don’t move the needle. Instead, focus on a few crucial moves to fill in key spots, while relying on the existing talent that can make this team one of the most dynamic in the league. With this approach, we’re not only building a team that can contend next year but setting up a sustainable model that could take the Padres deep into October for years to come.

If the Padres can stick to this plan, we could be looking at a roster that’s both financially smart and competitively strong. This offseason is about taking the right risks, securing that big bat, and trusting the depth we have to take us all the way.

For more information on the Padres’ offseason moves, roster insights, and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to FriarPulse. Keep in touch with the latest updates and join the conversation by following us on social media. Together, let’s see how the 2025 season unfolds—this is going to be one exciting ride!