2023 San Diego Padres midseason report cards with letter grades: Position players

2203 San Diego Padres midseason grades: Outfielders

Juan Soto - B

As part of some position changes that the Padres went through this season, Juan Soto slid over the left field from right and he has not been affected by the move. He has 15 home runs, and 47 RBI while slashing .265/.419/.479, which earned a spot on the National League All-Star team in Seattle. He is the only player to play in all 90 games in the first half and they will need more of the same in the second half. The trade rumors should be just that, rumors. It would be silly for Preller to trade him, especially if they get off to a good start this weekend.

Trent Grisham - B-

It has not been the season that Trent Grisham thought he was going to have. He's hitting just .209 and has struck out a team-high 92 times in 86 games. He started out the season hot at the plate with three home runs in the first two weeks and he closed the first half with eight. He is in his third full season with the Padres and his defense has been good as it has during his time in Southern California. They will need more from him offensively in the second half.

Fernando Tatis, Jr. - A

Last August, Fernando Tatis, Jr. was hit with an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The Friars' run to the NLCS helped cut down the number of games he would miss this season and he returned in mid-April against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since his return, he has been their best player with a team-high 16 home runs in 70 games and 44 RBI. He leads them with a .288 average and hits with 85. Even more impressive has been his defense in making the switch from shortstop to right field. He was an All-Star game snub, but the Padres and their fans know how good he has been and what he means to them in the second half.