*Photo from KGTV*
Staying in SoCal for the offseason reports, it's the San Diego Padres
2019 recap
Despite emergences from top prospects Fernando Tatis Jr and Chris Paddack, the Padres fell short of a playoff spot again, and fired manager Andy Green as a result.
What you need to know
The Padres started the winter by hiring a new manager, Jayce Tingler. They started signing around Thanksgiving, bringing in Drew Pomeranz to aid the bullpen and trading for Trent Grisham and Zach Davies from the Milwaukee Brewers, sending Luis Urias and Eric Lauer to Milwaukee. Then they traded for Oakland Athletics 2B Jurickson Profar to compete for the starting job after Ian Kinsler announced his retirement. Then they sent Hunter Renfroe and SS prospect Xavier Edwards to the Rays for Tommy Pham and SS prospect Jake Cronenworth. Then they went overseas and picked up Pierce Johnson for the bullpen. January was quiet, as the only move was bringing back Craig Stammen. Then they struck another deal with the Rays, bringing reliever Emilio Pagan to town to be Kirby Yates's primary setup man. They then picked up 2B Brian Dozier, ending their offseason of moves.
Moves I like
Lots to like here. I like the bullpen fortification San Diego did this winter, bringing in Pomeranz, Johnson, and Pagan. Tommy Pham was a good add for the outfield, and he's an upgrade over Renfroe, who is a good player but is inconsistent. Grisham is a depth outfielder with upside, and Davies can fill out the back of the rotation. Dozier can make an impact with the team, if he makes their roster, as he was signed to a minors deal.
Moves I don't like
Profar's acquisition is a bit puzzling for me. He had a great start to his career, getting two or three good years, but he hasn't been good for a few years, so he just seems like a roster filler. Also, Davies was the only starter they added this offseason, so that might not turn out so well for them.
2020 outlook
2020 figures to be a promising year for the Padres. They have lots of talent in the field and the lineup, and that bullpen looks awfully scary. In my opinion, the Padres will compete for the playoffs this season, but I still think they are at least one year away from truly competing in the NL. Regardless, this is a team to watch in 2020.
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