MLB analyst believes "it is the year" for the San Diego Padres

The hype currently surrounding the San Diego Padres is palpable. All of a sudden, they are emerging as contenders for the 2023 World Series, despite not even being in that conversation a year ago.

Central to the much improved perceptions that people have of this team was their performance last year. The Padres won 89 games, which was enough for them to finish second behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and gain a Wild Card berth.

The team steamrolled the Mets and the Dodgers, two 100-plus win teams, before finally being eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies. Although ultimate glory was not theirs to claim, the spectacular run showed observers that this is a serious team.

Some analysts have even gone as far as to name the San Diego Padres as their choice to win the 2022 World Series. In a recent appearance on The New York Post, sports writer John Heyman made no bones about his predictions for the Padres in 2023:

"They're really a star-studded team, and to me, I think it's the Padres' year... to me the Padres are the team to watch"

24-year old Juan Soto is shaping up to be the most important piece of the San Diego Padres offense in 2023. Soto, who came to the Padres in a trade with the Washington Nationals last season, is expected to garner record-setting offers when he becomes a free agent next year.

"I've never been on a team this talented." - Juan Soto on the @Padres roster #SpringTraining" - @ Fox Sports: MLB

Additionally, the San Diego Padres have made some massive offseason moves this year. Their first ripple came when they signed Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year contract worth $280 million.

Manny Machado, the MVP runner-up last year, also signed a long-term deal this week. Fernando Tatis will be coming off of an 80-game suspension in April, the 24-year old Dominican hit more home runs than any other player in the MLB in 2021.

"Manny Machado's 11-year, $350M extension with the Padres is official, team announces. This is the 3rd largest contract extension in MLB history." - @ Fox Sports: MLB

The San Diego Padres have a divisional rival squarely in their sights

Heyman eluded the San Diego Padres' arch-rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have won the NL West every season since 2013. Clayton Kershaw and company will need to get used to some serious competition so close to home.

While there is reason for the hype surrounding the Padres, the team will need to measure up to the Dodgers, whom they will see plenty of this season, to prove they really have what it takes.