San Diego Padres: Updated Lineup Projections for Opening Day

With the signing of Eric Hosmer, the San Diego Padres will certainly have some decisions to make regarding their Opening Day starting lineup. Let’s explore the possibilities.

The San Diego Padres don’t have any Rule-5 guys this season. There’s no Jered Weaver or no Christian Bethancourt taking up unnecessary roster space. There will be no “embrace the tank” this year. Depending on what takes place between now and opening day will decide what this year’s team will ultimately be.

With Eric Hosmer now in the mix, things are certainly a little muddier than before for manager Andy Green. He will most definitely have his hands full trying to sort out the Friars’ 25-man roster on Opening Day, forget about the lineup.

Today, just a week into spring training, I’m going to attempt to do that job for Green. Let’s take look at my updated version of my lineup projections for the San Diego Padres on Opening Day

San Diego Padres Projected Starting Eight

C-Austin Hedges

1B-Eric Hosmer

2B-Carlos Asuaje

3B-Chase Headley

SS-Freddy Galvis

LF-Wil Myers

CF-Manuel Margot

RF-Hunter Renfroe

Bench:

C-A.J. Ellis

IF-Cory Spangenberg

Utility-Jose Pirela

OF-Alex Dickerson

OF-Travis Jankowski

There are reports that teams have already contacted the Padres in regards to Hunter Renfroe. In an article published earlier today by my colleague here at Friars on Base, Tim Ryder.

He presented an interesting trade scenario where the Padres could trade Hunter Renfroe and some prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Chris Archer.

That could be the last piece to the puzzle in order for the Friars to contend this year. He also pointed out the Rays just designated an All-Star OF Corey Dickerson for assignment. It would be interesting to see if San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller could pull off a deal for both.

It’s all speculation at this point, but the moves made by both of these two teams over the last week is curious, to say the least. Could the Padres be setting themselves up for another big move? What I like about that scenario is if the Padres were to pull off such a deal, it wouldn’t handicap the farm system like the earlier time they tried going for it.

Next: The Eric Hosmer Era Begins

Don’t be surprised if A.J. has another move or two on the horizon either. Especially if they feel like they can contend this year. Signing Eric Hosmer is only the beginning of what could become the makings of the San Diego Padres’ first World Series championship.