San Diego Padres: Impact of MacKenzie Gore making the roster

The San Diego Padres have an abundance of depth in the rotation, so what is the ripple effect if MacKenzie Gore makes the Opening Day roster?

There’s a reason why MacKenzie Gore is ranked as one of the best prospects in the game. The San Diego Padres’ third overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft has generally performed well at each level in the minors, despite posting a 4.15 ERA in his final five starts of the 2019 season for Double-A Amarillo.

In all, he posted a 1.69 ERA in 20 starts between High-A and Double-A last year while striking out 135 batters in 101.1 innings with a .164 average. His high leg kick brings back memories of Dontrelle Willis, which helps create deception on all of his pitches. Gore is projected to be ready at some point this season.

With a strong showing in Spring Training, there is the real possibility that he could supplant several other candidates as the fifth starter in the big league rotation. Speaking of, the depth in this year’s rotation is extraordinary, which is quite a remarkable difference from previous years.

Heading into the 2019 season, Eric Lauer was the Opening Day starter, and beyond him lay at least a handful of worthy candidates. Last year provided clarity, especially in the second half, when both Dinelson Lamet and Garrett Richards returned from injury. Now, both guys are penciled into the starting rotation for 2020.

The Padres also acquired Zach Davies during the offseason, and he figures to slide as the fourth starter in the rotation, leaving a heavy competition for the final spot. If MacKenzie Gore is named the fifth starter in the rotation, how does it impact the rest of the roster?