By VisualTejeda – June 27, 2025

The Padres are 44–36 at the midway point of the 2025 season—8 games over .500 and sitting firmly in the National League Wild Card race. On paper, that looks like a good spot to be. But if you’ve been following this team closely, you know it hasn’t been a smooth ride.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and what the second half might bring.

🔥 What’s Working

1. The Bullpen is the Backbone

This bullpen is elite—no question. With a 3.30 ERA (4th-best in the majors) and 27 saves so far, it’s been the glue holding this team together. Robert Suárez has been a shutdown closer with 22 saves and even earned NL Reliever of the Month honors in April. The relief corps is delivering under pressure.

2. Unexpected Rotation Help

Injuries hit the rotation hard, but guys like Stephen Kolek (5–1, 4.38 ERA) and Randy Vásquez have stepped up. They’re not blowing hitters away, but they’re giving the Padres a fighting chance every five days—and that’s huge when depth is tested.

3. Tatis, Merrill, and the Core Holding It Down

Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a force, and Jackson Merrill is proving he belongs in center field. Manny Machado has had a slower start, but the top of the lineup continues to produce and keep the offense moving.

🧊 What’s Hurting

1. Injuries Continue to Pile Up

The rotation is running on fumes. Michael King is sidelined with nerve issues, Yu Darvish is recovering from elbow trouble, and both Jhony Brito and Ryan Bergert are out. With Joe Musgrove done for the year, the pitching plan is being held together by duct tape.

2. Offensive Drop-Off Beyond the Stars

While the core hitters are doing their part, the bottom half of the lineup has been inconsistent. Left field remains a weak spot, and the bench has yet to make a real impact.

3. Fatigue is Setting In

The team just wrapped up 26 games in 27 days. That kind of grind wears on everyone—especially the bullpen. With limited rotation depth, arms are being overused, and it’s showing.

🛠️ What Needs to Happen

The Padres are in the mix, but staying in it will depend on:

Getting Darvish and King back healthy and effective Managing the bullpen workload Making smart moves at the trade deadline (left field, starter depth)

Final Word

This team isn’t running away with the division, but they don’t need to. They’re in the Wild Card picture and have a shot—and that’s enough in today’s postseason format.

Now it’s on A.J. Preller and the front office to make the right moves and keep the window open.