After a second shut-out defeat in Game Five of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the loss of two fan-favorite players, and infighting within the organization’s front office, a wave of uncertainty spread across those who considered themselves Friar faithful. It was very comparable to how some felt last year following the passing of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler. These feelings were further exacerbated by a painfully quiet offseason.
However, much like last year, good things came to those who wait, and a flurry of acquisitions and moves from the team came just before players had to report for Spring Training.
Here’s a Padres season preview of what the future holds for their lineup, starting rotation, and the potential team they could have on Opening Day 2025.
Opening Day Roster: Batting
This Spring Training was particularly interesting for the Padres as they auditioned many minor league free agent acquisitions for key positions in their lineup. In total, 64 players attended 2025 Major League camp with the Padres, including 28 non-roster invitees. In particular, Brandon Lockridge, Yuli Gurriel, Gavin Sheets and Connor Joe saw heavy usage during their time in the Cactus League.
Catcher Martín Maldonado, utility player Jose Iglesias and Gurriel are all poised to make the team and potentially the Opening Day roster. The same goes for Sheets. To finalize the 13 position players that will comprise the Padres roster, Lockridge will serve in a bench position but could platoon with Jason Heyward in left field.
As for roster cuts, Joe, Mason McCoy and Luis Campusano can still be optioned to the minors. Oscar Gonzalez has an opt-out clause in his contract, but he may also be reassigned to the minors. Tyler Wade and Eguy Rosario are both out of player options and cannot go to the minors unless they’ve cleared waivers.
That said, the Padres’ lineup remains mostly unchanged with all key players returning to their regular spots on the list. Xander Boegarts will remain a shortstop while Jake Cronenworth occupies second base. The back half will likely see some platooning with Sheets and Gurriel as designated hitters and Heyward and Lockridge in left field, as stated earlier.
Opening Day Roster: Pitching
The search for a reliable five-man pitching rotation was just as grueling as the search for new hitters. Michael King, Dylan Cease and Nick Pivetta are confirmed to be on the rotation, leaving two spots up for grabs. Yu Darvish will begin the season on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation.
Things became increasingly tight as spring training neared its end. Knuckle-baller Matt Waldron and righty Jhony Brito fell out of the running due to injury. They cited a left oblique strain and right elbow soreness, respectively. That essentially makes it a best two out of three scenario between Kyle Hart, Randy Vásquez and Stephen Kolek.
Kolek attempted to make a strong case for himself, transitioning from the bullpen back into a starting position this pre-season. He started three games, including the very last against the Seattle Mariners. He recorded an ERA of 5.21 over 17 1/3 innings.
Despite his efforts, the final two spots went to Hart and Vazquez. These two will occupy the third and fifth spots in the rotation. Where they will officially fall is currently unknown.
In the same vein, the jury is still out on who will fill out the Padres’ bullpen. Choosing Logan Gillaspie, the favorite, forces the Padres to return Rule 5 pick Juan Nuñez to the Baltimore Orioles. Outside of this final piece, the bullpen is secure.
Opening Day 2025
The Padres play the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park for Opening Day on March 27. This matchup will be particularly interesting as, during the offseason, the Braves acquired Jurickson Profar.
King is confirmed to be the starting pitcher for the inaugural game of the season.
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