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The San Diego Padres roster has quickly become one of the best in baseball. Over the last few seasons, they accumulated talent before finally cashing in and going all in beginning with last year's trade deadline.
What was once a roster headed by just Manny Machado has grown into one of the deepest and most talented in baseball. This Padres roster has a genuine shot at capturing the first World Series title in franchise history.
It's not a perfect roster, though. Here's a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses in the roster.
Padres roster strengths: Superstars galore
One of the biggest strengths of the Padres roster is the talent it boasts. When they're all healthy and active, the top four will be as good as any in baseball.
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A lineup beginning with Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts is easily one of the best in baseball, almost regardless of the final five hitters.
Another strength is in the outfield. When Tatis is back, he won't play shortstop, but left field. That forms an outfield of Soto and Tatis in the corners and defensive wizard Trent Grisham in center.
Additionally, the San Diego roster has a lot of positional versatility. Tatis could play shortstop or outfield. Matt Carpenter can play third, first or a corner outfield spot if necessary.
Jake Cronenworth can play a lot of positions and most likely will. Their starting pitching is also strong, even after Joe Musgrove's injury.
Padres roster weaknesses: Right side of the infield
The Padres lineup does not have a glut of top infielders. They have two elite shortstops, but Tatis is moving to the outfield. That leaves Machado and Bogaerts with Ha-Seong Kim and Cronenworth, both of whom are true second basemen.
There's not a lot of depth on that side and the Padres may be forced to play people out of position as a result.
However, Cronenworth is a pretty good player and Kim isn't a liability. Carpenter may be forced to play the field some, which wouldn't be ideal for San Diego.
This roster doesn't have a true first baseman, which could make things interesting in the infield.
