(Photo credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)

San Diego Padres

2024 record: 93-69 (2nd place, NL West).

He gone: LHP Tanner Scott, OF Jurickson Profar, INF Ha-Seong Kim, INF Donovan Solano, C Kyle Higashioka, LHP Martin Perez.

New faces: RHP Nick Pivetta, LHP Kyle Hart, OF Jason Heyward, INF Jose Iglesias, INF/OF Gavin Sheets, 1B Connor Joe, 1B Yuli Gurriel.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: The Padres not only surpassed expectations in 2024 after the departures of Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and All-Stars Juan Soto and Josh Hader, they were a legitimate World Series contender that had the Dodgers on the ropes in the playoffs. Now comes the departure of an All-Star in Profar and a steady infielder in Kim to overcome.

Top prospect: Still teenagers, SS Leodalis De Vries and C Ethan Salas represent the next generation of Padres standouts. Both did get time in major league camp this spring, putting them on the fast track to San Diego.

Breakout player: Eguy Rosario is poised to wedge some time at second base now that Jake Cronenworth is moving to first. Three-time batting champion Luis Arraez could slide into the DH role, although the Padres have multiple left-handed hitting options there. Defensive versatility gives Rosario options to see playing time.

2025 outlook: It will be a rough time in the NL West again with the Padres set to face improved rosters by the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. There is an unquestioned edge about the Padres, and it starts with stars such as 3B Manny Machado and OF Fernando Tatis Jr., who will lead the way again this year. Will RHPs Dylan Cease or Michael King be trade bait if the club gets off to a slow start?

--Field Level Media