Padres' last bench spot is turning into a defense vs. versatility standoff

Though Spring Training is a time for players to slowly get back into baseball mode, there is an added pressure for some. February and March are treated like auditions for guys teetering the line of being a minor leaguer, or cracking the Opening Day roster. Every day matters. Every workout matters.

For the San Diego Padres, there are four position players essentially battling for one final spot on the bench. Who should it go to? Do the Friars prioritize someone who can be a solid pinch-runner? Or how about a strong, Gold Glove level defensive replacement? Or maybe someone who can play multiple positions?

Though San Diego could just give it to the player who performs the best this spring, each of Ty France, Bryce Johnson, Mason McCoy, and Will Wagner present legitimate cases as to why they should crack the 25-man roster in 2026.

Four San Diego Padres vie for final spot on 2026 Opening Day roster

Ty France

France, in a reunion with the Padres, probably has the strongest case on paper to secure the last roster spot.

Playing for the Twins and the Blue Jays in 2025, France won his first Gold Glove Award. An anchor at first base, France produced 10 OAA last season, all while stroking 25 doubles. His overall offensive numbers aren't great, as he produced .681 OPS. His glove is that good on its own to let him land on the Opening Day roster, especially considering the Padres aren't loving their current status at first base.

Bryce Johnson

Among the four, Johnson is probably the best all-around player. It was a small sample, but Johnson hit .342 in 55 MLB games last year. He is also a quick runner, so there could come a time when San Diego needs a pinch-runner who has to remain in the game. Bryce Johnson is your man in that situation.

Mason McCoy

McCoy is a career .181 hitter in 43 MLB games, but his speed and elite defensive ability has him well within the mix. This play below is enough to want to have a guy on your team.

Will Wagner

Wagner had a nice debut season in 2024 with the Blue Jays, batting .305 in 24 games before struggling in 2025. He still hasn't quite gotten his feet wet at the big league level, but his ability to play any position within the infield is enough to pique the Padres' interest. If he can hit well in spring, Wagner might sneak onto the Opening Day roster over the other three.