Padres News: Manny Machado Reflects on Tough Season for Friars

Manny and the Pads look to build on successful September next year.

The offseason started earlier than anyone in San Diego hoped for or expected for the Padres. It was a year of "what ifs" for the Friars who waited until the last possible minute to put together their best month of the season in September (20-7).

Finally playing so well only to come up short in the final week was every bit of a gut punch to this team that entered the year with championship aspirations. Star third baseman Manny Machado talked about the pain of the rug being pulled out from under the club right as everyone was hitting their stride.

“Obviously, it was a letdown for sure. I’m not gonna hide that. But we believe in the guys that we have here. So we’re just gonna grow from this. It is a learning experience for all of us and take it in — take the good, the bad and move forward.”

And that's the general narrative that emanated from the Padre clubhouse over the final few days of the season. Learn from this and come back better and badder in 2024.

Of course, it might not be exactly the same roster heading to Peoria in February. Blake Snell is set to become a free agent. As is Josh Hader. Any or all of Michael Wacha, Nick Martinez, or even Juan Soto may not be back.

It will be another winter of intrigue for the San Diego ballclub that will aim to build out a more complete 40 man roster.