The season hasn’t began out the best way most San Diego Padres followers would have wished.
As of now, the crew sits with a 4-5 file with a collection tie in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a tie in opposition to the San Francisco Giants, and it has received simply one in every of three in opposition to the St. Louis Cardinals at residence.
The offense specifically has proven to be wildly inconsistent. Of the 48 runs San Diego has scored thus far, 28 have are available in simply two video games. Though these high-scoring video games might have been enjoyable to observe, having your offense carry out at a excessive stage as soon as per week shouldn’t be superb.
That does not imply everybody has underperformed thus far, although. Listed here are three gamers who’ve gone above and past to start out the season.
Catcher Luis Campusano
Campusano is in a singular state of affairs. Regardless of being simply 25 years outdated, his successor, MLB.com’s No. 8 prospect Ethan Salas, is being fast-tracked by way of the Padres farm system. In just some years, Campusano may lose his place earlier than he even has the possibility to solidify himself in it.
It is turn out to be clear, although, that he will not be happening and not using a combat. As of now, there is a sturdy argument he is been among the finest hitters for San Diego. With a team-leading .400 batting common, 1.000 on-base plus slugging and 12 hits, he makes his case.
If Campusano can preserve placing collectively a season like this, he would power the Padres to seek out him a spot throughout the lineup when Salas makes his method to the majors, whether or not that is at designated hitter or a place change.
First baseman Jake Cronenworth
Cronenworth was on the heart of many commerce rumors this previous offseason. After signing his seven-year, $80 million contract in March 2023 and the Padres seeking to shed payroll, there was an actual risk he’d be moved from San Diego.
At this level, although, the entrance workplace is bound pleased it by no means pulled the set off.
He is had 35 at-bats and is tied for a team-leading three doubles, seven runs batted in, tied for second-most hits (10) and has the fourth-best OPS (.762). You can also’t ignore the numerous superb defensive performs he is already had.
Although he lacks the same old energy of a beginning first baseman, if he can proceed to be a persistently stable hitter, an All-Star look may very well be in his future.
Proper-hander Yu Darvish
Darvish has been tasked with being the ace of a beginning rotation that additionally consists of Joe Musgrove, Michael King and newly acquired Dylan Stop. That duty has suited him completely thus far regardless of his 0-1 file.
By his three begins into 2024, he is thrown 15.2 innings, which leads the main leagues, whereas placing collectively a 2.30 ERA, 1.085 WHIP, an ERA+ of 203 and 16 strikeouts, which leads the Nationwide League.
Now at 37 years outdated and two years into his six-year, $108 million contract, he should proceed this identical success. If not, the Padres will certainly remorse giving him such a big contract.
