San Diego Padres Can’t Count On Another Move Being Made

There are still lots of names that are floating around as potential players the San Diego Padres could add before the season begins. If that should happen, fantastic. But if not, this team has to move forward and continue preparing with the guys who are here now.

Let’s say San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller sits tight and heads into the season with the roster he’s assembled, as is. While the chances of another big addition before the regular-season rolls around aren’t great, there have still been rumors swirling around about possible free-agent signings or trades still to come.

These rumors may be just that, rumors. But the apparent logjam in the Friars’ roster is not just an illusion. While there may not be a big name like Chris Archer added before the end of Spring Training, some of San Diego’s expendable roster pieces like Hunter Renfroe or Cory Spangenberg may find themselves starting the year in a new uniform.

Any trade-returns on those players would, unless packaged into a blockbuster deal, likely bring back only prospects. Therefore, we wouldn’t see much effect on the San Diego Padres’ 25-man roster this season.

Let’s assume that these are our San Diego Padres heading into 2018

Assuming that the only major move that’s made before March 29 is moving one of these “expendable” players, this team is still good enough and deep enough (maybe not experienced enough, but still) to make a run at a wild-card berth, in my opinion.

Let’s imagine breakout years from Austin Hedges and Carlos Asuaje. Also, let’s picture Luis Perdomo and Dinelson Lamet both getting their respective ERAs down below, let’s say, 4.00. Can’t you just see that sweet double-play combination of Freddy Galvis and Asuaje? Mmmm…

The San Diego Padres back-end of the rotation also has the potential to perform well this season, as well. Although both are coming off of injuries, Matt Strahm and Colin Rea could end up being instrumental in the potential success of this team.

More from Friars on Base

• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal

And to close things out for the San Diego Padres…

Throw in a solid bullpen that could even include starters that couldn’t make their way into the rotation, and you have the ingredients for a contender.

Guys like Tyson Ross, Strahm, Robbie Erlin or Jordan Lyles could find themselves in a long-reliever role or even to come in for a batter-or-two in relief.

San Diego Padres’ manager Andy Green could then pass the baton to more-experienced relievers like Kazuhisa Makita, Craig Stammen, or Kirby Yates and then move on to closer, Brad Hand.

All of the makings of a winner are in place and whether any more pieces are added to the puzzle or not, the Friars need to get ready for the battle that is the regular-season with the guys who are with them right now.

Next: Updated Opening Day Lineup Projections

Trust is a huge part of building a team. Build that trust now and an addition or two won’t shake this team later. Just keep building that winning culture, from the top of the franchise, all the way down to the 25th guy on the Low-A Rookie Ball team.