3 changes we'd already make to the San Diego Padres in 2023

3 changes we'd already make to the San Diego Padres in 2023

Keep only one of Matt Carpenter or Nelson Cruz for improved roster flexibility

There aren't many teams that carry two nearly-full time designated hitters on their active rosters. The Padres do with Matt Carpenter and Nelson Cruz.

Carpenter had a great game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, as he drove in five of the team's seven runs. Nelson Cruz, on the other hand, has scuffled in recent weeks, though his overall numbers are still respectable.

But the Padres don't need both players. And if they had to choose between the two, they should go with Carpenter, who can at least provide some value in the field. It's not that Cruz isn't valuable (his leadership is surely instrumental in that clubhouse), but San Diego has multiple guys playing out of position, and at some point this season, that could backfire on the team.

On days where they need a right-handed DH, Bob Melvin could always use Fernando Tatis Jr., allowing a strong defender like Jose Azocar to man right field, as an example. The idea of having more roster flexibility should be appealing, especially players that can take the field instead of those who merely DH at this point, like Nelson Cruz.

Additionally, as alluded to earlier, the Padres' bullpen is undermanned at the moment. Perhaps having another body on the pitching staff could be of service to this team in the meantime, a spot otherwise being absorbed by Nelson Cruz and/or Matt Carpenter.

3 changes we'd already make to the San Diego Padres in 2023

Start watching Juan Soto more closely

This one may strike Padres fans as odd, but the truth is that Juan Soto hasn't been nearly the player on San Diego that he was as a Washington National.

Since arriving in Southern California, Soto's OPS stands at .770, as compared to the .966 OPS he posted in DC. Additonally, Soto's OPS+ as a Padre is 125, down from the 160 he had as a National.

Soto has now had quite a while (dating back to August of last season) to adjust to his new surroundings and find his footing amongst this loaded group, and so far, it's at least mildly concerning that he hasn't found that old stroke to this point.

Ultimately, few players on the planet possess the talent and tools that the 24-year-old outfielder does, so he has earned the benefit of the doubt in that regard. But that leash won't last forever.

For what's it worth, the Padres are internally concerned about Soto as well, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. The team believes he's "badly pressing" despite the star proclaiming his increased comfortability in San Diego.

And don't be surprised if the rest of this season dictates how San Diego moves forward with Soto, says Nightengale.

The Padres plan to be in heavy pursuit for free agent Shohei Ohtani, and if they land him, Soto could be the one traded, realizing they likely wouldn’t be able to meet his contract demands after already rejecting $440 million from the Nationals.

Soto's performance this season will be worth watching, especially in light of his early struggles.