The San Diego Padres’ early exit only underscored what most of 2025 kept hinting at: this roster needs more damage in the lineup and more bankable innings in the rotation. Five runs across three games won’t cut it in October, and neither will the constant scramble to cover starter workload with a bullpen serving as Band-Aids.
Budget-wise, San Diego isn’t in a position to paper over every leak with premium contracts. They have to get sharper, not just louder, prioritizing durability on the mound, run prevention on the edges, and a real middle-order threat that changes how opponents pitch to their stars.