With just three weeks until Opening Day, the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation—and the San Diego Padres are no exception. While fans eagerly await the first pitch, the team’s front office is knee-deep in decisions, juggling a roster that’s almost set but still has a few critical spots up for grabs. But here’s where it gets controversial: who will claim the final rotation spot, and which relievers will secure their place in the bullpen? Let’s dive into what we know—and what’s still on the line.
The Padres’ Opening Day roster is largely locked in, barring any last-minute injuries or surprises. And this is the part most people miss: while the core lineup is set, the battles for the remaining spots could shape the team’s season in unexpected ways. Let’s break it down.
The Position Player Locks (8)
Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth, Freddy Fermin, Ramón Laureano, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, Gavin Sheets, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the undisputed starters. These eight players will anchor the everyday lineup, with Sheets potentially sitting against left-handed pitching. Their roles are secure, leaving five other position players to vie for consistent playing time.
The Pitching Locks (8)
On the mound, Jeremiah Estrada, Michael King, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Joe Musgrove, Wandy Peralta, Nick Pivetta, and Randy Vásquez are roster certainties. King, Musgrove, Pivetta, and Vásquez will fill the top four rotation spots, leaving the fifth starter role as the biggest question mark. In the bullpen, Miller is set to close games, with Estrada and Morejon as his primary setup men. Jason Adam, if healthy, and Peralta are also locks.
The 99 Percenters (6)
Luis Campusano is the clear backup catcher, with no other options on the roster. Miguel Andujar, Nick Castellanos, and Sung-Mun Song are likely bench players, with one of them expected to see regular playing time as the ninth hitter. Jason Adam, recovering from a ruptured quad, and David Morgan, who’s close to securing a bullpen spot, round out this group.
So, Who’s Left?
With 22 spots accounted for, the Padres have four critical positions remaining: one bench player, one rotation spot, and two bullpen spots. These decisions will be fiercely contested, with several players vying for their chance to shine.
The Final Bench Player: Jose Miranda, Bryce Johnson, Mason McCoy, Samad Taylor, Ty France, and Will Wagner are in the running. Who will emerge as the utility player the Padres need?
The Final Rotation Spot: Germán Márquez, Walker Buehler, Marco Gonzales, Triston McKenzie, and JP Sears are battling for this role. Each brings unique strengths, but only one will make the cut. Bold prediction: This decision could spark debate among fans—who do you think deserves the spot?
The Final Bullpen Spots: With Bryan Hoeing and Yuku Matsui likely starting the season injured, Ty Adcock, Kyle Hart, Alek Jacob, Ron Marinaccio, and Bradgley Rodriguez are in contention. This is where the real competition heats up, as relievers fight to prove their worth.
As the Padres finalize their roster, one thing is clear: this team is loaded with talent but still has room for surprises. What’s your take? Who do you think will claim the final spots? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to follow Padres on SI (https://www.si.com/mlb/padres) and on X/Twitter (https://x.com/PadresOnSI) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581307683573) for all the latest updates.
