San Diego Padres: A productive Wil Myers is exactly what this team needs

If Spring Training is a foreshadowing of Wil Myers’ season, it’s exactly what is needed for the San Diego Padres to take the next step.

We’ve heard the trade rumors, and there’s no question that Wil Myers has as well. It was a significant topic as he spoke to reporters on his first day of spring camp. The 29-year-old has indicated that he’s learned how to manage the trade rumors. However, there’s no question that the last couple of seasons with the San Diego Padres have been a disappointment, particularly 2019 when Myers’ struck out at a career-worst 34.3 percent.

Now entering year four of a six-year deal – albeit a $20 million club option is available for 2023 – it would seem that, for now, the Padres have every intention of hanging onto him. Jayce Tingler was pleased with Myers’ effort through ten Spring Training games, batting .313, and clubbing three home runs.

Tingler stressed the importance of him (Myers) getting quality at-bats, and “our plan is for Wil to be part of that group.” While his defense remains suspect, he figures to primarily be located in right field this season after bouncing around the outfield and a few games on the infield in previous years. The consistency remaining at one position should help him reduce overthinking, which, in theory, should also lead to an improved production at the plate.

All six of his Spring Training starts have been in left field, and that’s due to Tommy Pham working his way back from an elbow injury and oblique strain. The consistency had led to a .313/.389/.875 slash line with three home runs, four RBI, and a team-high 14 total bases.

He also has seven groundouts, but as a Padres fan, you have to be pleased with him putting the ball in play. I get that it’s Spring Training, but his 22.2 percent strikeout rate in 18 at-bats is a pleasant sight thus far, especially after his 30 percent strikeout rate last year was nearly a direct correlation to his regular season.

The Padres have a surplus of outfielders, and perhaps the pressure placed on him is a good thing. Aside from the three starters, Franchy Cordero, Josh Naylor, Taylor Trammell, among others, will be vying for playing time. Wil Myers is doing his best for Jayce Tingler to look somewhere else so far.