3 bright spots for the San Diego Padres in an underwhelming 2023

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Things did not go as planned for the San Diego Padres in 2023. One year after reaching the National League Championship Series against the Philaelphia Phillies, GM A.J. Preller improved the team in free agency, but the Friars came up short of their goal. Heck, they came up so short, that they didn't even make the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

Since the season ended three weeks ago against the Chicago White Sox, a lot of been written about the failures of the season, and rightfully so. However, there were some bright spots this season, and here were three of them.

1. Michael Wacha

Signed as a free agent after a good 2022 season with the Boston Red Sox, Michael Wacha pitched well for the Padres and if it wasn't for a shoulder injury that cost him some time, things may have been different for San Diego with him taking the ball every fifth day.

Just how good was Wacha? He was the clear No. 2 behind Blake Snell when he was on the mound, going 14-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 24 starts and 134.1 innings pitched. He finished with 124 strikeouts. The Iowa City native was arguably better this season for San Diego than was last season in Boston.

Wacha signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Padres and had a club option for 2024 for $16 million, something you think San Diego will pick up, especially with the likelihood of Snell leaving in free agency. Can Wacha step up and be an ace? Who knows, but if there is one thing that this season taught us, it's that he's needed back next season to be a starter that can counted on every fifth day.

Los Angeles Angels v San Diego Padres / Sean M. Haffey/GettyImages

2. Blake Snell

Yes, I know, I'm not breaking any news here. However, just sit back and think for a minute where the 2023 season really could have gone if Snell wasn't the pitcher he was. Seriously, the Padres would have been eliminated from postseason contention long before they were and the trade deadline would have had a different look to it.

The National League Cy Young favorite pitched much better than his stats show. There were many starts where the offense didn't help him out and he had to be nearly perfect on a lot of nights. Snell finished 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA in 32 starts and 180 innings pitched with 234 strikeouts.

Losing him for next season in free agency will be a huge blow and all signs are pointing to that happening. Earlier this season, I wrote that Snell and closer Josh Hader were both pricing themselves out of Southern California and that is going to end up being the case. With a huge payroll now, Preller is finding it tough to fit just one of them under for 2024, never mind both.

Snell is going to get his payday in free agency and it's going to be an earned one. There were a lot of eyes on the Padres this season and everone saw how well he pitched and was the biggest bright spot on the mound for San Diego.

San Diego Padres v New York Mets / Elsa/GettyImages

3. Xander Bogaerts

The big catch last winter for Preller was swooping in at the last second and signing shortstop Xander Bogaerts in free agency from the Red Sox. An 11-year, $280 million contract and commitment to the former World Series champion and Gold Glove winner was a big addition.

Were his numbers down from what they were in Boston? Yes, but he played solid defense and came up with some clutch hits for manager Bob Melvin. He slashed .285/.350/.440 with 19 home runs and 58 RBI. He was moved up and down the lineup, but at the end of the season, he was swinging a good bat.

After signing Bogaerts, the Padres were forced to shuffle around positions and now heading into next season, they might be asking the 31-year-old to do the same. Will it be successful? That remains to be seen, but being the true professional he is, if a move is made, it shouldn't affect him in the field or at the plate.

Ha-Seong Kim had a very good season and was rewarded as a finalist at second base and as a utility infielder, while outfielder Fernando Tatis, Jr. is another one for right field. Yes, the 2023 season will go down as a big disappointment for the Padres, but believe it or, they did have some bright spots.

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1. Michael Wacha

2. Blake Snell

3. Xander Bogaerts

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