The biggest questions the Padres must answer in 2025

Coming into the 2025 season, Padres fans are excited for what their team can potentially do on the field. Following a campaign that saw the Friars log 93 wins - which is the second-most in club history - San Diego is looking to be a playoff contender once again.

With that in mind, however, that means there are some questions and concerns that need to be addressed this year. Fans are worried that one of their best pitchers will get traded. They are also curious about what is going to happen at the catcher position in a three-way battle among below-average players, and also what will ultimately happen in left field as the year progresses.

The biggest questions the San Diego Padres must answer in 2025

Will Dylan Cease or Michael King actually get traded?

This question is arguably the most concerning among Friars fans. With Yu Darvish hitting the injured list, San Diego is going to have to rely heavily on Cease and King to get the job done. They each placed within the Top 7 in the National League Cy Young Award race in 2024, so obviously fans don't want these pitchers to go anywhere despite the constant trade rumors swirling around both of them.

Their success or struggles will definitely translate into the Padres' overall outlook. If San Diego hangs on to both pitchers, then the nerves can be settled a bit, hoping the team doesn't make a fire sale.

How long will Jason Heyward start in left field?

On a one-year deal, the veteran Gold Glover is going to be the starting left fielder to begin the 2025 season, but how long can fans expect him to play there? Heyward is a below-average league hitter, unfortunately. He's a tremendous leader and clubhouse presence, but that shouldn't be enough for him to play left field every day long-term.

Padres fans were heartbroken when All-Star Jurickson Profar didn't come back to San Diego, leaving the Friars flailing to fill the vacancy. Ideally, Tirso Ornelas is ready for MLB pitching soon. After a strong spring training, Ornelas could be the next left fielder in San Diego - it's just a matter of how long it will take for the front office to make this promotion.

What's going on at catcher?

The Padres' lineup to begin the season feels set, but with one major head-scratcher: no one looks good enough to start at catcher. Luis Campusano has the youth, Elias Díaz should have the reliable bat, and Martín Maldonado brings the leadership and ability to call a solid game.

All three have been disappointing this spring at the plate, giving no indication as to who the clear-cut best catcher is for the Padres.