The Padres’ 2025 season would be vastly different without these 5 key players

The Padres have had a mostly successful 2025 season. With the team in playoff position and still within striking distance of the Dodgers for an NL West title, it feels like San Diego is doing everything they can do to set themselves up for October.

That might not be the case if not for these five players, who have been season-altering players for the Padres in 2025.

1. Nick Pivetta, SP

Pivetta claims the top spot on this list because what he has done is so much more than what was expected of him. Nobody saw this season coming out of Pivetta, a career No. 3 starter with a 4.76 ERA in eight previous seasons.

This year, Pivetta has emerged as the ace of the San Diego rotation. His 2.85 ERA ranks 10th among all qualified starting pitchers in baseball, while is 0.96 WHIP ranks sixth. Pivetta has played a huge role in the Padres' success as a team this year. San Diego is 17-11 when he starts on the mound.

2. Manny Machado, 3B

While he is not the super slugger he once was, Machado is still an incredibly talented player capable of carrying the Padres' entire offense if they need him to.

His .795 OPS leads the team, and he also leads the team with 33 doubles, 23 home runs and 84 RBI. He's been a study force both in the lineup and defensively.

3. Fernando Tatis Jr

You might not realize it from his batting stats, but Tatis is quietly having the second-best season of his career to this point, at least according to his 5.4 bWAR. His defense in right field has provided a huge boost to the San Diego outfield corps, and his 96 runs scored lead the team. He also leads the team with 29 stolen bases, and recently crossed the 20-20 threshold.

4. Ramon Laureano

Laureano, since being traded to the Padres, has been among the best hitters in the game. The outfielder has already knocked eight home runs, six doubles and two triples since the trade, and has a .923 OPS with the Padres.

Without Laureano, San Diego would have a massive hole in left field. Their trade for Laureano gave them an impact bat at a position in which they were previously heavily lacking. Laureano will play a crucial role in the postseason for the Padres.

5. Robert Suarez

Suarez' ERA does not do him justice. For a third straight season, he has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball. He's successfully converted 36 of 41 save opportunities, and has six more saves than any other NL reliever.

Without Suarez, does San Diego have as many close victories as they do? Likely not, even with their strong bullpen.