5 Padres players taking advantage of 2024 spring training

Graham Pauley, Padres IF

Pauley has been the most overlooked Padres prospect in camp. While Jackson Merrill grabs all the headlines, Pauley has outperformed the Friars' top prospect this spring. Pauley's on-base percentage and slugging percentage are well beyond the numbers that Merrill's put up since Cactus League play began.

Despite his strong showing, however, Pauley is still in a fight for a spot on the Padres Opening Day roster. Not that he hasn't played his way onto the team, but the infield is rather crowded with an established starter at evert position. Pauley may be jockeying for position with Merrill to be the Padres DH heading into the start of the 2024.

Jeremiah Estrada, Padres RHP

Estrada is still on the outside looking in, but his chances of breaking onto the Padres Opening Day roster have definitely improved since spring training began. San Diego acquired Estrada off waivers from the Cubs earlier this offseason.

The reliever has looked sharp in every game he's pitched and even recorded a save earlier this spring in a game against the Chicago White Sox. Estrada has yet to allow a run to score on his watch.

So many Padres relievers are out of minor league options, which may make it difficult for Estrada to break camp with the major league club. But he's done nothing to hurt his standing with the team this spring, and could be one injury or bad performance away from a call-up back to big leagues.