5 Overlooked Padres Moves That Are Already Paying Huge Dividends

Sitting 10 games above .500 just 36 games into the season, has been fueled in part by a series of underrated and strategic moves that are quietly making a major impact. These weren’t splashy trades or massive free-agent signings, but they’ve brought real value to a team that’s dealt with its share of injuries and adversity. Here are five moves that have already proven to be quietly brilliant.

Calling up Tirso Ornelas

The long-awaited promotion of Tirso Ornelas has added a needed spark to the outfield. Ornelas, known for his solid contact skills and strong arm, was hitting .307 with a .377 OBP at Triple-A El Paso prior to the call-up; numbers that made a compelling case for his promotion. With the Padres dealing with outfield injuries and inconsistent offensive production from the bottom of the lineup, Ornelas provided an immediate boost.

His energy, plate discipline, and ability to handle all three outfield spots have helped stabilize the roster. While still adjusting to big league pitching, he's already delivered timely hits and shown flashes of the poise that scouts and personnel have long admired. This move, driven by both need and potential, may become one of the most important depth decisions of the season if Ornelas continues to rise to the occasion.

Promoting Eguy Rosario and Mason McCoy

With multiple starters sidelined, the Padres turned to their organizational depth — and both Eguy Rosario and Mason McCoy have stepped up when called upon. Rosario, who had a strong showing at Triple-A El Paso hitting .296 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs in his first 25 games, has brought athleticism, quick hands, and surprising pop to the lineup. In his brief major league action, he’s already delivered a couple of clutch extra-base hits and has looked comfortable manning second and third base.

Meanwhile, McCoy, while not as flashy offensively, has proven to be a dependable glove-first option, sporting a .987 fielding percentage across multiple infield spots. His situational awareness and hustle have helped prevent defensive lapses during a stretch when stability was crucial. These weren’t blockbuster promotions, but they’ve helped plug gaps and keep the Padres rolling without skipping a beat.

Releasing Yuli Gurriel

It may not seem like a “move” worth celebrating, but parting ways with Yuli Gurriel was an important moment of accountability for the Padres' front office. Gurriel, a former batting champion, was brought in to provide veteran presence and depth at first base and DH.

However, in limited action, he struggled to find his rhythm, posting just a .200 average with a .533 OPS in 35 plate appearances. His lack of power and diminishing bat speed quickly made him a liability in an already underperforming DH spot. Rather than continuing to force a fit that clearly wasn’t working, the Padres made the tough — but necessary — decision to release him. This move signaled a commitment to performance over pedigree and a willingness to prioritize younger, more impactful options. It also opened the door for more flexible lineup decisions and demonstrated that the front office is willing to course-correct midseason to keep the team on a winning track.

Honorable Mention: Bullpen Brilliance

Though not technically a transaction, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the recent surge from the Padres' bullpen. Over the past two weeks, the bullpen has posted a sub-2.00 ERA, with key contributors like Robert Suarez and Yuki Matsui locking down critical late-inning outs. Suarez, in particular, has emerged as a dominant closer, converting 14 of 14 save opportunities with a WHIP under 1.00. The bullpen's consistency has provided much-needed support for the starting rotation and helped secure tight victories during the team's recent winning streak.