Padres News: National Writer Slams 'Delusional' Friars in Column

Can San Diego climb back into contention?

Entering the 2023 season, many in the baseball world had the San Diego Padres are one of the favorites to come out of the National League. They were the trendy pick after a strong offseason, and many believed they were ready to take that next step forward. But at least so far, that plan hasn’t come to fruition.

They have been wildly inconsistent all season long, and it has seen them fall in the standings. One week they look great, and then the next, they fall right back into their same old habits. 

It has been incredibly frustrating for fans and players alike. But despite everything going against them, the team still has signaled that they want to be buyers at the trade deadline coming up. They seem to believe that they can get back into contention, but one national writer strongly disagrees. 

Bob Nightengale of USA Today slammed the Padres on their potential buying at the deadline in his latest story.

"The Padres, much more than the Mets, still seem delusional thinking they will get back into the race. They have been a mediocre team all season, and nothing is going to magically change the second half."

Per USA Today

Now, these are strong words from Nightengale, but he does have a point. The Padres may be better off selling a few of their upcoming free agents for future assets, rather than spending more to possibly go nowhere this season.

Nightengale continued about San Diego, and gave some insight into the team possibly selling off pieces. 

"They should swallow their pride and trade All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, getting back at least some of the value in the prospects they traded away in the first place to land him from the Washington Nationals. Yet, there has been no hint that he’s available. They instead are likely to shop All-Star closer Josh Hader and starter Blake Snell, barring a sudden and dramatic winning streak."

Per USA Today

General Manager AJ Preller has paid a heavy price for this current team, so it's unlikely that he wants to give up on them. But it would be the smart thing to do. The Padres could look to the future while still having enough talent on the roster to try and turn things around post-deadline.

Even if they were to trade away Hader and Snell, San Diego still possesses plenty of talent on the roster to try and contend. It could be their best move, but they have shown no willingness to go this route. 

If the Friars want to get back into contention, they need to do so quickly. The clock is ticking as we get closer to August. But there is still time, and as long as they are alive mathematically, they will keep the faith. It will be a lot of work on their part due to the large hole that they've dug themselves into.