After a disappointing 2021, the Padres went even further all-in by acquiring outfielder Juan Soto’s rights through at least the 2024 season. That gamble paid off with a wild card berth and series wins over the Mets and rival Dodgers before falling to Philadelphia in the NLCS. The Padres didn’t settle with that, adding shortstop Xander Bogaerts from Boston along with Matt Carpenter and Nelson Cruz to a strong offense that will also get Fernando Tatis Jr. back after a year and a half off due to injury and a PED suspension. The Padres will still be looking to supplement the back half of a pitching rotation that features Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell, but the back end of the bullpen with closer Josh Hader and setup man Robert Suarez is one of the strongest duos in the game.
Petco Park, located right in San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter, is one of the best... MORE