The Seattle Mariners experienced a tough start to their Cactus League season, losing 5-2 to the San Diego Padres. Despite the presence of several regulars, including J.P. Crawford and Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners were only able to record two hits throughout the game. Jhonathan Diaz struggled on the mound, giving up three runs in the first inning, largely due to a two-run homer by Manny Machado. The Mariners managed to breathe some life into the game in the ninth inning with a home run from Samad Taylor, a promising sign as they prepare for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.

The San Diego Padres enter the new season with a chip on their shoulder after their recent playoff exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Mike Shildt emphasized a fresh start, acknowledging both the successes and unfinished business from the previous season. Right-hander Michael King expressed confidence in their core lineup and their ability to compete against the Dodgers, who have made significant offseason acquisitions. Third baseman Manny Machado is eager to face off against the defending champions, indicating a strong desire to prove their worth.

As the Padres gear up for Cactus League play, Ryan Bergert is set to take the mound in the spring training opener against the Seattle Mariners. Despite spending most of last season in Double-A, Bergert hopes to secure a spot in the starting rotation, showcasing the competitive spirit and depth of talent within the Padres’ roster.

Entering 2025, the third base position is brimming with talent, highlighting a compelling landscape for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. José Ramírez maintains his top spot at 32, showcasing impressive stats throughout the years. Rafael Devers, age 28, remains a strong candidate alongside an improved Red Sox lineup. Austin Riley, despite a dip in performance, shows potential for a bounce-back season. Junior Caminero's raw power at just 21 is tantalizing, while Jordan Westburg, returning from injury, offers a well-rounded skill set. Manny Machado continues to deliver consistent power, adding value to dynasty leagues.

Royce Lewis' injury history raises concerns, but his upside could yield notable returns. Mark Vientos, fresh off a breakout season, and Matt Shaw are both set to make substantial impacts. Alex Bregman, now with the Red Sox, adds depth to the position as well. The future of third base is bright, making players like Ramírez and Devers pivotal in shaping fantasy leagues.

The San Diego Padres face a turbulent offseason, marked by ownership lawsuits and potential financial constraints. While the team has made limited moves, speculation abounds regarding possible trades involving star players, notably Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. MLB analyst Harold Reynolds suggests trading Tatis to reconfigure the team's payroll while retaining essential pitching assets, such as Dylan Cease and Michael King. However, insider Jon Heyman reports that the Padres plan to hold onto both Tatis and Machado, discussing other prospects to improve their roster.

A.J. Preller, the Padres' president of baseball operations, acknowledges the challenge of enhancing talent while managing expenses. He hints at upcoming transactions, emphasizing the need for additional hitting and pitching as the team progresses through the offseason.

The San Diego Padres enter the 2024 season with a sense of disappointment regarding their lack of offseason moves following a promising playoff run. Despite coming close to defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, the team has opted for a quieter approach, which has left players like Manny Machado expressing frustration over the departures of key teammates. Rookie sensation Jackson Merrill, however, remains optimistic about the existing roster, believing they can compete against any team.

While the Padres have not made any notable acquisitions, they have lost several key players, including Tanner Scott to the Dodgers and Jurickson Profar to the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have made significant strides by adding top free agents, thereby increasing the competitive gap. Historical aggressiveness in the Padres’ spending appears to be waning, likely influenced by ownership changes and ongoing legal issues surrounding control of the franchise.