Biggest Questions For Padres As Season Opener Gets Closer

These are not areas to panic about but just some questions for San Diego to consider.

No matter how a team in the MLB finishes the year, one thing is always certain and that is they will always look to improve in some way in the offseason. This ranges from the franchise that finishes with the worst record all the way to the one that wins the World Series. It is a mentality of not getting too comfortable nor taking too many victory laps.

With that being said, your San Diego Padres could've been content with their success last season. I was watching their last stretch of regular season games and, even though I saw of heart on display, I did not think they would go as far in the playoffs as they did. Riddled by injuries and inconsistent offense the whole year, it would've been easy to pack it up but the Friars kept fighting and reached the NL championship.

They would then follow up their season by bring in a top-tier talent in Xander Bogaerts, locking down two of their top pitchers with nice contracts, and extending their leader Manny Machado. 

We are 8 days away till Opening Day for YOUR San Diego Padres.

And we have a question for you…..

Who hits the first Homerun for the 2023 San Diego Padres this season? pic.twitter.com/nKiC8xl2Ns

— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) March 22, 2023

The hype surrounding this Friars team is like none I can remember. Everybody is referring to them as the Beatles of the MLB and excited to see what they can accomplish. However, there is always, always something to key in on and improve so let's take a lot at some burning questions for your Padres this 2023 season.

How long will it take the front office to decide if they want to extend Juan Soto?

It truly did feel like everybody on the Padres got their payday this offseason and will be with the squad for years to come. That is everybody except Juan Soto and he is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. Many fans have been wondering why Peter Seidler and the rest of the organization won't just guarantee him his money now that they have this special group together but it is not that simple.

They are still making sure Soto is who they want on this roster taking up a max-slot. His numbers took a hit when he first arrived and he needs to look like that Silver Slugger player that he was before. However, the longer they wait, rumors will start to heat up about him leaving and similar to Machado's chatter, that takes away focus from the team.

Will the Friars' pitching staff stay healthy?

When we think of the top players on the Padres that will be taking the mound this season, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell all automatically come to mind, Unfortunately, those first two guys are already suffering setbacks before the year has even kicked off.

Musgrove has been working back from a foot injury and even though he won't miss too many games, it is something to keep an eye on. On the other hand, Darvish likely won't be ready opening day after not getting a lot time in Japan's games in the WBC. He is also 36-years-old and despite staying durable until now, it's important now more than ever to stay healthy.

Will any ego's clash amongst the stars?

If this was MLB The Show, I think it would be almost 100% guaranteed that if a team like this would win the World Series multiple seasons if thrown into a simulation. However, just like any other group of MVP-level players, chemistry is probably the most important factor to consider. 

Everything looks great right now as Fernando Tatis Jr. is returning from injury and other players are coming back from the WBC. Only time will tell if the players can live up to the same expectations that fans are placing on them. It will take sacrifice and communication but it is important they all must approach the season as winners.