Padres News: MLB Analyst Believes Friars Are the Best in the West

A lot to look forward to heading into Spring for San Diego.

The San Diego Padres have easily been one of the most talked about teams in sports this offseason, stemming from numerous signings and contract extensions to a Fanfest where they made some huge promises.

This noise has been for good reason as the Friars have assembled together a squad that, on paper, doesn’t look like many other clubs can keep up with at bat and out on the field. Manager Bob Melvin went as far to say that he cannot remember being a part of a team that is home to so many stars.

MLB analyst Jim Duqquete agrees with these claims and he highlighted his prediction for San Diego on MLB Network Radio alongside Mike Ferrin.

With the @Padres agreeing to a deal with Michael Wacha this morning, @Jim_Duquette sees them as the favorites in the National League West 👀#Padres | #TimeToShine pic.twitter.com/vxQsKjJhsz

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 14, 2023

“I think we both like the team, very bullish on it,” said Duqquete. “We don’t have to pick yet but to me they’re now the front-runner in the West, they have to be.”

One of the biggest recent questions surrounding the Padres was what their starting lineup would look like and whether or not they would follow last season’s footsteps with a six-man rotation. That question was seemingly answered yesterday as news broke that pitcher Michael Wacha would be joining the Gaslamp Guys if his physical was passed.

Free-agent right-hander Michael Wacha in agreement with Padres, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 14, 2023

One cannot also not ignore the return of the team’s future outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., who is set to hit the field around April for the first time in over a year. A talent like him joining forces with other powerhouses such as Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Xander Boegarts will make San Diego a force to be reckoned with.

Melvin also talked about the expectations the fans have for this star-studded roster and revealed his liking towards the winning culture they are trying to instill.