The direction the San Diego Padres wanted to take this offseason was clear. They wanted to keep spending and thus take the pole of the Western section of the National League, while having their eyes fixed on the next level, which is to reach the World Series.
And we can say that it is mission accomplished. According to MLB Network Radio’s Jim Duquette, the acquisition of Michael Wacha puts the Padres ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is what he told his colleague Mike Ferrin.
I think we both like the team, we are very optimistic. We don’t have to choose yet, but for me they are now the favorites in the West.
Ok, the former New York Mets general manager is right. But let’s be honest, San Diego was a favorite long before Wacha arrived.
First of all, we cannot overlook the return of Fernando Tatis Jr., who should return to action in April, a first in more than a year. It’s like the Padres added one of MLB’s best players for free.
Add to that the Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Xander Boegarts and company who will make the weather rain or shine in California.
That’s why manager Bob Melvin went so far as to say he couldn’t remember coaching a team with so many stars.
Combine that with the fact that the Dodgers went into hibernation this winter, the Padres are favorites in the West. It will remain to transpose the paper on the ground.
