Two former San Diego Padres vie for Cooperstown in 2025

Whether a player spends their entire career with one team or not, it's exciting to root for their Hall of Fame candidacy. As the stream of news for the Padres this offseason continues to trudge along, Friars fans can look back and celebrate two former players who once suited up in San Diego.

It was announced that Ian Kinsler and Fernando Rodney will be on the upcoming Hall of Fame ballot, and although their stints were brief at Petco Park, it would be a treat to see both players receive love on a legendary level.

Ian Kinsler, Fernando Rodney played part of great careers in San Diego

Kinsler spent the final season of his 19-year career with the Padres. He played in just 87 games, registering nine home runs, 12 doubles, and 28 runs scored.

He won't be remembered as a Padre, but Kinsler was one of the best middle infielders of his generation. He amassed 1,999 career hits and 257 home runs, which is seventh all-time among second basemen. Kinsler also is a .274 lifetime hitter in the postseason, winning a World Series in 2018 with the Red Sox.

Known as a four-time All-Star with two Gold Gloves, Ian Kinsler was no schlep on the mound, which may just be his most memorable moment with the Padres.

Fernando Rodney's career with the Padres was even more brief than Kinsler's, but he was dominant. In 2016, Rodney recorded 17 saves in 28 1/3 innings alongside 33 strikeouts and a striking 0.872 WHIP. He surrendered just one run in a San Diego jersey, giving him an 0.31 ERA with the Padres.

Rodney enters the Hall of Fame conversation with 327 saves, which is 19th all-time. He finished his career with a 3.80 ERA among 11 different organizations, and he pitched until he was 42 years old.

If Ian Kinsler and Fernando Rodney are elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, they will surely not go in wearing a San Diego Padres hat. That's more than understandable, but their time with the Friars will be cherished by the fans. There are 13 players in the Hall of Fame who played for the Padres at one point, and these two would be just as celebrated if their name is called.