3 Padres players who should have a reduced role in 2025, if they're not traded first

Defensive versatility is nice, but the Padres need someone who can hit

We might not like it, but it's at least understandable why the Padres want to bring Tyler Wade back into the fold. He's always struggled at the plate, and that was no different in 2024. He hit just .217/.285/.239 and he now has just seven home runs in 865 career plate appearances.

But the one thing Wade does offer is versatility on the diamond. He can play just about anywhere defensively, and while he's not a standout at any particular spot, there's definitely value in having a guy who can go give you innings basically anywhere you need them.

That said, Wade's bat is such a drag on this roster. He's now entering his age 30 season, so there's essentially no hope that he'll get things turned around. He's a decent guy to have on the roster, but the Padres can't afford to have his bat in the lineup each night.

We know that this team doesn't have a ton of money to spend in free agency, but there are absolutely better options out there — both in the free agent and the trade markets — that would give the Padres more oomph in the lineup.

The Padres got a look at infielder Mason McCoy in 2024, and it did not inspire confidence. Maybe someone like Clay Dungan would have similar problems at the plate in 2025. But continuing to run Wade out there is, at best, a Band-aid.

The likely departure of Ha-Seong Kim this winter leaves the Padres thin in the infield. If they have to deal with any injuries in the early part of the season, Wade is likely going to get the bulk of the work, or at least help fill the void as Mike Shildt rearranges the infield around him. If that happens, and the Padres have no choice but to lean on Wade as an everyday player, they won't have anyone to blame but themselves.