A (way too) early projection for the Padres’ opening day roster – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Carlos Asuaje wont be duking it out with Cory Spangenberg over the second-base job this spring. The Padres arent searching for third, fourth and fifth starting pitchers. They know exactly who will play center field.

Thank A.J. Preller, whose frenetic offseason has left the Padres with few position battles heading into camp, outside those that take place on the fringes of the active 26-man roster.

As pitchers and catchers report Wednesday, heres an early projection for the Padres opening day roster:

Lowdown: Look above. What else needs to be said? Besides the fact the Padres will likely need more than this group as the season expands from 60 games to 162. Thats all the more reason to keep LHP Adrin Morejn and RHP Michel Bez stretched out in the minors. LHPs MacKenzie Gore and Ryan Weathers are also likely call-ups, as is RHP Reggie Lawson in the second half of the season as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Lowdown: Although the club has not confirmed reported deals for Melancon and Kela, their additions bring considerable depth to the Padres middle relief options. Both could also factor into closing situations as the Padres have been unafraid to throw their top relief arms Pomeranz and Pagn whenever they think the game is on the line. Strahm is a question mark coming off offseason knee surgery. If hes not ready, LHP Jose Castillos stuff gets the nod over LHP Tim Hill if Castillo can prove hes healthy.

Lowdown: Trades over the last seven months have all but anointed Nola as the No. 1 catcher and Caratini as the backup. The only question is whether the Padres carry three catchers. Luis Campusanos legal troubles are not expected to delay him this spring, but the organizations top catching prospect would be better served with further minor league seasoning as he has played only one game above A-ball.

Lowdown: With the arrival of Kim and the return of Jurickson Profar as a super utility, theres little room for movement here and in the outfield depth chart. Hosmer, Machado and Tatis are the unquestioned starters with Kim and Cronenworth battling for playing time at second base and providing depth at the other three spots. Kims focus would be on the left side of the infield, while Cronenworth filled in admirably while Hosmer was sidelined last year. Profar also played second base and first base in 2020, in addition to all three outfield spots. His return also makes it that much more difficult for the all-run, little-hit Jorge Mateo to crack the roster.

Lowdown: Like the infield, the outfield is largely set, with Grisham in center, Myers in right and Pham in left. Profar can play all three outfield spots, as can OGrady, who signed a major league deal after fashioning an .807 OPS throughout his minor league career. OGrady also has experience at first base, increasing his value as a bench player over Jorge Oa, who had only a month of playing time above A-ball before last years call-up.

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A (way too) early projection for the Padres' opening day roster - The San Diego Union-Tribune