Former Mets GM believes the offseason deals done by the San Diego Padres have made them favorites in their division - "The front-runner in the West"

The San Diego Padres had one of their strongest offseasons in the organization's history. It wasn't just about the players they added this offseason; it was also about the numerous changes they continuously made to their squad for a little over a year.

The acquisition of Xander Bogaerts was their biggest. They also brought Matt Carpenter, Nelson Cruz, and Seth Lugo to Petco Park. Apart from fishing in free agency, the Padres gave a mighty extension to starting pitcher Yu Darvish and re-signed Nick Martinez and Robert Suarez.

"To me, the Padres are the front-runner in the West" - Jim Duquette

"With the Padres agreeing to a deal with Michael Wacha this morning, Jim_Duquette sees them as the favorites in the National League West" - MLBNetworkRadio

Top ball clubs in the National League may outnumber those in the American League. Meanwhile, teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming for yet another postseason run at the expense of the Padres. They will have their work cut out for them as the NL West is once again one of the toughest divisions in baseball.

The San Diego Padres making it to the NLCS for the first time since 1998 was the best indication yet that team owner Peter Seidler is prepared to spend the money required to assemble a winning team.

"One word to describe this photo: Epic" - Padres

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The San Diego Padres are among the favorites in the NL West in 2023

The San Diego Padres are predicted to finish second in the National League and MLB overall with 100 wins next season. The only team with more stars than them is the dominant New York Mets, who are predicted to win 103 games.

With rivals Los Angeles losing the entire left side of their infield, the San Diego Padres may easily become the NL West favorites. Meanwhile, San Diego has improved in some areas.

"First look in brown and gold" - Padres

Bogaerts, Cruz, and Carpenter joined an offensive group that included MVP runner-up Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Winning in the offseason isn't the main objective, but it's difficult to find fault with what the Padres have accomplished this winter.