It is still extremely early in the offseason, which makes it difficult to place much importance on national MLB Power Rankings. No club has finished reshaping its roster, and plenty of moves are still to come.
Even so, anyone checking those rankings has to be ready for some unflattering placements for the San Diego Padres. The bullpen should remain among the league’s best, assuming Mason Miller is not dealt, even after losing Robert Suarez. The lineup, despite major issues in 2025, is still anchored by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill. The rotation, however, looks far less reassuring, relying heavily on Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove’s surgically repaired elbow, and very little proven depth beyond that.
Despite those concerns, Bleacher Report appears optimistic. In its post Winter Meetings power rankings, San Diego landed at No. 9 overall, sitting just behind the Milwaukee Brewers and ahead of the Atlanta Braves.
Given that the Padres are coming off back to back 90 win seasons for the first time in franchise history, they have earned some benefit of the doubt. Still, unless Pivetta somehow shoulders an enormous workload next season, it is difficult to envision the pitching staff justifying that ranking without additional help.
Padres must continue adding to rotation to hang with MLB’s elite teams
Pointing out the need for more starting pitching is hardly groundbreaking, but with Pivetta now appearing in trade rumors, the issue feels even more pressing.
No move A.J. Preller makes this winter will allow the rotation to match the overwhelming group the Los Angeles Dodgers can deploy. Pivetta could regress after a breakout season at age 32, and Musgrove remains an uncertain bet after missing the 2025 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery. At some point, the Padres need to address this area.
The Bleacher Report ranking largely reflects the strength of the rest of the roster. Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, and David Morgan should help shorten games, and the lineup has too much talent to finish near the bottom of the league in runs again. The front office does not need direct replacements for Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Yu Darvish.
Instead, adding a few mid rotation arms could be enough, especially if the team believes JP Sears or Randy Vásquez is ready to take a step forward. Pitchers such as Zack Littell or Tyler Mahle, who offer upside but carry enough risk to keep their price down, could make a meaningful difference.
Preller has a reputation for bold moves and has suggested he wants to swing big again. That would be ideal if it happens, but the Padres are already a strong team. They simply need a few more pieces to complete the picture.