2 Padres Stars Ranked in Top-10 for Position in 2023

San Diego was filled with talent last season, but couldn't overcome themselves.

The San Diego Padres had a lot of talent across their team this past season, but they couldn't find a way to make it all work. They ended up missing the postseason, but multiple players did put together solid seasons. 

MLB insider Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report ranked the top outfielders across Major League Baseball, and two members of the Padres made the top 10. Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. were each great in 2023, and deserve to be ranked where they are.

Soto came in at number five on the list, and he put together a special season in San Diego. Amid all the trade rumors going on about him, you almost forget what kind of player he really is.

“Stats: 162 G, 158 OPS+, .275/.410/.519, 68 XBH (35 HR), 109 RBI, 12 SB, 5.5 WAR"

"In his first full season with the San Diego Padres, Juan Soto put together one of the best seasons of his young career. He led the majors with 132 walks while slugging a career-high 35 home runs and playing in all 162 games. His .930 OPS ranked ninth among qualified hitters and trailed only Ronald Acuña Jr. (1.012) and Mookie Betts (.987) among outfielders, and he took home his fourth Silver Slugger Award while finishing sixth in NL MVP voting.”

Per Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report

The star outfielder proved that he remains as one of the elite players in the entire league, and he helped keep the Padres alive for longer than expected. It remains to be seen if he will be with them next season, but we can’t overstate how incredible he was this past season.

As for Tatis Jr., he made the switch over to the outfielder from shortstop this year and excelled at it. This success made life easier for the Padres, and they could use his versatility to help the team. He came in ranked in the number nine spot.

“Stats: 141 G, 113 OPS+, .257/.322/.449, 59 XBH (25 HR), 78 RBI, 29 SB, 5.5 WAR"

“The 24-year-old did a nice job shaking off the rust offensively with a 25-homer, 29-steal season at the plate, but his defensive work in the outfield was an even bigger surprise. His 29 Defensive Runs Saved in right field led all players across all positions, and he took home Gold Glove and Platinum Glove honors as a result.”

Per Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report

Tatis Jr. should get a full 162-game season next year, and hopefully, he can remain healthy to show what he can do. He is electric on the field, and the Padres plan to build around him for a long time.