3 non-tendered players the San Diego Padres should sign immediately

CF Kyle Lewis

Kyle Lewis sky-rocketed into the majors as he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Lewis batted .262 with 11 home runs, 28 RBI and .801 OPS in 58 games. Unfortunately, his prolonged hitting struggles have diminished Lewis' star value as a top player.

A lingering knee injury has limited his effectiveness at the plate (.202 batting average) and ability to play regularly (70 games) since the 2021 season. It has contributed to his inability to make consistent contact at the plate. Lewis struggles to speed up his bat against high-velocity pitchers. He strikes out over 30 percent of his at-bats. The Padres must decide if the extra work with Lewis is worth the effort to regain his stroke and become an offensive threat in the lineup.

Lewis is 28 and could benefit from a change of scenery to re-ignite his baseball career. But before offering a contract, the Friars need to see Lewis’ medicals on his surgically repaired knee. It will confirm whether or not he is a viable candidate for an outfielder position.