Constructing the ideal Padres lineup ahead of Opening Day

The 2025 regular season is under one week away. The Padres' Opening Day is on March 27, hosting the Atlanta Braves for a four-game series. There is plenty to get excited about, including who will be slotted into the starting lineup.

We already know that Michael King is getting the ball as San Diego's Opening Day starter. After a strong 2024 campaign, he deserves to pitch in the first game, but who should be playing behind him?

Constructing the ideal Padres lineup ahead of Opening Day

Batters one through six are essentially a lock for the Friars to begin the 2025 season. Luis Arraez might be the designated hitter some days, which could move Jake Cronenworth over to first base, but this starting nine is probably the club's best option against the Braves.

Arraez, Tatis Jr., Merrill, and Machado have the potential to be the best 1-4 hitters in baseball. Arraez has won the batting title three years in a row, and he makes for the perfect table-setter. Tatis Jr. is a sneaky pick for National League MVP, and if he taps into his full superstardom, he could be the best hitter in the game. Merrill, coming off an incredible rookie season, is an ideal choice to sandwich between Tatis Jr. and Machado.

Gavin Sheets has been on a tear this spring, batting .313 entering Friday with six home runs and 12 RBIs. He was signed to a minor league contract this offseason, but the Padres selected his contract this week to join the 40-man. Though this doesn't cement his spot on the Opening Day roster, it's clear that he deserves to be the starting DH on March 27.

Jason Heyward is readying himself to start in field to begin the year. The five time Gold Glover will probably not man that spot for long, but left field is probably his position until Tirso Ornelas fully convinces the front office that he is ready for The Show.

Rounding out the lineup will be a catcher, but the question is who will it be? Elias Díaz, Martín Maldonado, and Luis Campusano have all been unimpressive this spring at the dish. Campusano leads all three in batting average, clipping .200. However, considering that Díaz is the most overall most reliable hitter among the three come the regular season, he should suit up at catcher on Opening Day.