5 Padres players taking advantage of 2024 spring training

With the Seoul Series quickly approaching, the curtain has almost closed on the San Diego Padres' time in Peoria. The Friars will head to Korea shortly and have a date with the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the 2024 season.

Several players have enjoyed an impressive spring since arriving in Arizona last month, and with several spots on the Padres roster still unclaimed, Mike Shildt's job seems to be getting more difficult with each passing day.

But competition breeds success, and the roster battles this spring have seen some no-names emerge. There's also number of top prospects in the San Diego farm system who are attempting to use their spring training performance as a springboard to make the Opening Day roster. Which players have taken full advantage of a strong showing this spring?

5 Padres players taking advantage of 2024 spring training

Jhony Brito, Padres RHP

While Padres starter Joe Musgrove has looked out of sync, Brito has been spectacular this spring. The right-hander was part of San Diego's offseason trade with the New York Yankees and has shined with his new squad.

At this point, Brito hasn't just locked up a roster spot, but the 26-year-old is firmly in the conversation to be part of the Padres starting rotation. The most impressive stat by far has been Brito's 10 strikeouts. Couple that with no walks allowed, and the Padres coaching staff has to like what its seen this spring from their new addition.

Brito's six-strikeout performance during a Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs earlier this spring is hopefully a preview of coming attractions heading into the regular season.

Matt Waldron, Padres RHP

Waldron has battled this spring, but it may not be enough to make the Opening Day roster. Much like Brito, Waldron feasted on Cubs' hitters earlier this spring. The right-hander punched out six Chicago batters in four innings pitched.

But the roster crunch might get the best of Waldron. The Padres are likely looking to keep the 27-year-old stretched out down in the minors rather than shift him into the bullpen. San Diego already has Brito, Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael King slated to be part of the starting rotation.

Randy Vasquez has struggled to keep the ball in the yard this spring, and if that carries over to the regular season, don't be shocked if Waldon's strong showing during spring training earns him a quick call-up to the bigs.

Óscar Mercado, Padres OF

The Padres have a vacancy in the outfield. Fernando Tatis Jr. is a lock to be the team's starting right fielder, and Jurickson Profar is probably ticketed to be a platoon in left field. But what about center field? While Merrill and fellow prospect Jakob Marsee have been doing their best to sneak onto the Padres Opening Day roster, no one has opened more eyes than Mercado.

Mercado is comfortable in center field, but can play all three outfield spots and has displayed some power this spring. The 29-year-old was a non-roster invitee, but his play warrants a longer look. If the Padres aren't yet ready to call up Merrill or Marsee, Mercado could bridge the gap.

Mercado's performance has him moving from the fringes of the roster to within striking distance of securing a spot in the Padres lineup. These final few games could be the difference between winning a spot on the Padres Opening Day roster or re-entering the free agent market.

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