Padres News: Mike Shildt Says 2024 is a Big Opportunity for José Azócar

Will the young outfield make a statement at Spring Training?

When the San Diego Padres traded Juan Soto and Trent Grisham away to the New York Yankees, they opened up two outfield positions and returned only Fernando Tatis Jr. to the mix. 

Since then, they haven't added any other outfield, which means José Azócar will have an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster as a starter.

Manager Mike Shildt spoke about Azócar with the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"It’s a big spring for everybody. It’s a big spring for this guy. It’s a big spring for all of us every year. With Sugar, it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s helped us the last couple years and competed at the big-league level … and now he’s gonna get more opportunity. You’ll see that based on at-bats. He’ll get the opportunity in spring training to play center and maybe move around a couple different spots depending on how the roster shapes up. He’s gonna get an opportunity to take that next step and work towards earning more time."

Per Mike Shildt via San Diego Union-Tribune

Azócar has made the Opening Day roster before and has played in 153 Major League games. The Padres are depending on him to provide range in the outfield and speed on the bases.

Surprisingly, he is 5-for-13 on the base paths. If he wants to provide himself with some insurance, he will need to be more successful stealing to force the Padres to start him throughout the season.