Projecting the Padres’ 2026 lineup this early feels irresponsible (so let’s do it)

Starting pitching isn’t the only aspect of the Padres roster that was set to endure change over the offseason, as San Diego’s lineup has more holes that need filling than first imagined. 

Luis Arraez remains on the open market; the team may trade Jake Cronenworth, and Ryan O’Hearn has officially signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Amid all of the questions being asked about what the Padres' lineup will look ahead opening day, below are our best guesses to who will fill spots 1-9 in the batting order, as well as what position each player will be at.

San Diego Padres 2026 lineup prediction

1) Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF)

Despite all the rumors of Tatis being the “most movable” superstar on the Padres, nothing changes here. A five-tool player who will lead off and bring power and contact skills once again, San Diego will rely on the 26-year-old superstar more than ever in 2026.

2) Luis Arráez (DH)

Originally expected to depart in free agency, Arráez’s lack of a market may bring him back to San Diego on a short-term contract. If that’s the case, we can only assume that Craig Stammen will have him at the same spot as last year, batting second.

One of the best bat-to-ball hitters in the league, Arráez will man the designated hitter role in 2026. While he has seen time at first and second, the 28-year-old is seen as a defensive liability, which points to him not seeing the field as much this season.

3) Manny Machado (3B)

Another no-brainer, Machado is the second most valuable player on the Padres, bringing gold-glove level defense along with an impact bat. Not only does he bring skill on the field, but he also serves as one of the biggest leaders in the clubhouse.

4) Jackson Merrill (CF)

After a “drop off” in production by his standards in 2025, we can confidently say that we expect a bounce-back year from the 22-year-old centerfielder. Merrill’s above-average bat will keep him as the Padres’ cleanup hitter in 2026.

5) Xander Bogaerts (SS)

Bogaerts is looking to find the old hitting skills he once had when in Boston, and it seemed as if he was regaining them in 2025. That, coupled with his exceptional defense, will make him a solid No. 5 hitter in 2026.

6) Ramón Laureano (LF)

Laureano, in the back half of 2025, was one of the most underrated players, and not just on the Padres. He came over via a trade with the Baltimore Orioles that sent him to San Diego along with Ryan O’Hearn. Laureano had his $6.5 million club option picked up by the Padres, which will keep him around for one more season.

With all of the losses the Padres have seen this offseason, all the team can do is hope for under-the-radar players to step up. Laureano has the chance to be that dark-horse player for them in 2026, which should excite fans.

7) Rhys Hoskins (1B)

Even if Luis Arráez re-signs, it is unlikely he will play first base, which leaves a vacancy in the infield. With a fragile market at first base, coupled with the Padres' lack of prospects, there are only so many routes they can take. We predict President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller, to sign the 32-year-old to a one-year prove-it deal to fill an important void on the roster.

8) Freddy Fermín (C)

Fermín’s presence behind the plate, along with his decency as a hitter, helped the Padres make the postseason in 2025. He can expect to keep the role as the team’s No. 1 catcher in 2026. Due to how competitive the lineup is, he will be batting eighth (for now).

9) Sung-mun Song (2B)

As you may have guessed, we predict the Padres to trade away Jake Cronenworth in a move that would free up payroll that was on the books through 2031. While the Cronenworth trade has not yet happened, the Padres signed KBO infielder Sung-mun Song to a four-year, $15 million contract. Song’s versatility around the infield will land him the opening day starting spot at second base.