MLB Playoffs: 4 teams that would benefit from a 16-team playoff

3 of 4

San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 12: Manny Machado #13 is congratulated by Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres after hitting a solo homerun during the sixth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at PETCO Park on July 12, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

NL. West. San Diego Padres. 2.. player. 127. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

The Los Angeles Dodgers are winning the NL West. That’s not up for debate. But the battle for second in the division is pretty wide open. If there’s one team who can rise up the standings, it’s the San Diego Padres.

San Diego will be lead by shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., whom would’ve won the NL Rookie of the Year award had he not picked up a season-ending back injury last season. Now fully healthy, Tatis will look to mash the ball all over the ballpark. It certainly helps that he’ll have Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer and Tommy Pham batting alongside him.

As for pitching, Chris Paddack is the team’s certified ace. While the depth in the starting rotation isn’t exciting, the Padres could pull a rabbit out of their hats by adding top pitching prospect Mackensie Gore to the roster at some point this season.

This could finally be the year for the Padres to return to glory. And they’ll get to do it in those beautiful retro brown and yellow uniforms too!

Home/Chicago White Sox