What would the Padres' batting lineup look like at the top if they manage to get Juan Soto? ft. Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill

The San Diego Padres are coming off a solid 2024 season. They finished with a record of 93-69, finishing second in the National League West and making the postseason.

They took down the Atlanta Braves in the Wild card before they faced off against divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. They would end up losing in the NLDS 3-2 but made it a great series.

Now, they come into the offseason with the potential to get better. They reportedly would love a reunion with superstar free agent Juan Soto. Here's what their lineup could look like if they land the four-time All-Star.

1. Luis Arraez
2. Juan Soto
3. Fernando Tatis Jr.
4. Manny Machado
5. Jake Cronenworth
6. Xander Bogaerts
7. Jackson Merrill
8. Harrison Bader
9. Luis Campusano

For that to happen, San Diego would also have to sign Harrison Bader. He became a free agent at the end of the season and would be a good -cheap option to fill center field.

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Padres need to get the ball rolling if they want a reunion with Juan Soto

San Diego Padres - Mike Shildt (Photo via IMAGN)

The Padres are reportedly interested in Juan Soto, but they haven't done much about it. They have yet to meet with the slugger while other teams have already offered him contracts.

The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers already have offers on the table. Given that he's the hottest free agent on the market, it's not a party you want to show up late to.

Soto could be the player to help San Diego stack up against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers. He's coming off a season where he finished with a career-high 41 homers and would pair nicely alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado at the Padres.