In a candid reflection on the San Diego Padres’ offseason activities, star third baseman Manny Machado has expressed his disappointment over the team’s lack of significant acquisitions and the departure of key players. Speaking at the Padres’ FanFest event, Machado addressed the current state of the roster and the challenges that lie ahead for the 2025 season.
“Are we disappointed we haven’t made any moves? Yeah,” Machado stated. “I think as a team, you look up there, and you’re a little disappointed that we let some of the guys that were a core group here go elsewhere.”
The Padres have seen the exit of notable players such as infielder Ha-Seong Kim and outfielder Jurickson Profar. Kim, known for his defensive versatility, and Profar, who had an exceptional 2024 season earning his first All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger award, have both moved on to other teams.
In contrast, division rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their rosters with significant signings, including Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. These moves have intensified the competitive landscape of the National League West.
Despite these setbacks, Machado emphasized the importance of focusing on the current roster and preparing for the upcoming season. “At the end of the day, we have a good ballclub here,” he noted. “We have a good group of guys who are going to go out there and compete every single day. We just have to focus on what we have here and get ready for a long season.”
As the Padres gear up for the 2025 season, the team faces the challenge of integrating new players and adjusting strategies to remain competitive. Machado’s leadership and performance will be pivotal as San Diego aims to navigate the evolving dynamics of their roster and the heightened competition within their division.
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