2 reasons the San Diego Padres will be competitive in 2024, 2 reasons they won't

The San Diego Padres won't be competitive in 2024 because their clubhouse chemistry will continue to hold them back

One would assume that with a manager as steady as Bob Melvin, clubhouse chemistry wouldn't be an issue to confront. But that would be an incorrect assumption to make.

It's understandable why the 2023 San Diego Padres might be lacking in chemistry. With so many star players under one roof, corralling egos has to be a difficult assignment. And reports have said as much about this team.

But here's the deal: if this group doesn't settle those personality issues, they can forget about being competitive in 2024. Holding onto an individual ego isn't going to help the Friars win in 2024.

Instead, these players, many of whom have now been teammates for at least a year, must find a way to come together and and develop an identity. A shared identity is something San Diego has lacked this season and it has shown on the diamond, as well as in the clubhouse.

And if the Padres miss the playoffs in 2023, this group should share in a collective, burning desire to rectify a failed season by coming out better than ever in 2024. But until we see that play out, clubhouse chemistry could continue to hold San Diego back from achieving their goals.