"They've went out, locked up their talent and continued to grab more talent" - MLB analyst on San Diego Padres' unrelenting push for 2023 World Series
MLB analyst Xavier Scruggs has hailed the San Diego Padres for making a concerted effort to land the 2023 World Series.
For years, the San Diego Padres were overlooked in their division, the NL West. However, after a serious push deep into the playoffs, fans and experts alike are beginning to expect big things from this team.
Their divisional rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have won the NL West every season since 2013 and captured the World Series in 2020. The San Diego Padres, meanwhile, have only made the postseason three times since 2006.
While the Dodgers are still one of the best teams in the MLB, things appear to be changing in southern California. The San Diego Padres began stockpiling some serious talent around 2019, and the fruits of their labor are starting to become very evident.
"They've went out, locked up their talent and continued to grab more talent."
The X Man is a fan of what the @Padres are building in 2023.
@Xavier_Scruggs | #MannyMachado | #Padres https://t.co/NdyIN1g7px
"They've went out, locked up their talent and continued to grab more talent." The X Man is a fan of what the @Padres are building in 2023." - @ MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM
Speaking on MLB Network radio, former MLB player Xavier Scruggs said about the Padres:
"They've went out, locked up their talent and continued to grab more talent."
Scruggs' comments came after the team's re-signing of third baseman Manny Machado on Feb. 27.
Machado hit 32 home runs and 102 RBIs last season, enough to finish second in NL MVP voting, behind Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals. Machado's extension is reported to be worth some $350 million over the next 11 seasons.
Padres, Manny Machado reportedly finalizing an 11-year extension, per @Feinsand. https://t.co/11eMIZtS4G
"Padres, Manny Machado reportedly finalizing an 11-year extension, per @Feinsand" - @ MLB
Machado's extension now makes him the highest-paid player on the team. The team also made waves this offseason when they penned a 11-year deal with former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts, who is set to make $280 million over the next 11 seasons, has hit .303 in the last four seasons and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent players in the MLB.
Other notable offseason moves include signing 6-foot-6 starter Michael Wacha to a one-year deal and re-signing five-time All-Star pitcher Yu Darvish to a six-year extension.
Do San Diego Padres have right mix to take their division for first time in decades?
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are still better than the San Diego Padres on paper - especially when it comes to pitching - the Padres are certainly a surging, exciting team.
It has been too long since the Padres were seen as viable contenders. That could change, though, this time.