Friar Podcast NBC 7 San Diego: Which Padres Will Remain in 2025? Who Leaves?
As the 2024 MLB season draws to a close, the San Diego Padres find themselves at a crossroads. With a mix of high-profile stars, a bloated payroll, and an uncertain competitive future, the franchise’s front office faces difficult decisions on which players to retain for the 2025 season and which ones may be heading out the door. The Padres’ recent performances have created a sense of urgency to shake things up in order to return to postseason contention. In the latest episode of Friar Podcast with NBC 7 San Diego, the hosts dive deep into the prospects of the team’s roster and explore which players will remain in 2025 and who might be on their way out.
The Core Players: Who’s Safe for 2025?
The Padres have spent years building a championship-caliber roster, and a few core players are virtually untouchable heading into 2025. Manny Machado, the face of the franchise, is locked into a long-term contract through 2033. Despite some whispers about his future with the team earlier in the season, Machado’s leadership and consistency on the field make him a key piece in San Diego’s future. His presence both in the clubhouse and in the field is invaluable, making him safe for the 2025 roster.
Fernando Tatis Jr., despite some early career setbacks, is another cornerstone of the Padres’ future. His electrifying style of play and ability to dominate offensively means that the team’s ownership will continue to build around him. His contract runs through 2034, making his place on the roster secure for at least the foreseeable future. The Padres’ front office will likely want to see how Tatis continues to mature and whether his development as a leader can match his talent on the field.
Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove are key veterans in the rotation, with both pitchers contributing significantly to the team’s pitching depth. Darvish, though aging, still has moments of brilliance, and his contract runs through 2025. Musgrove, with a more team-friendly deal and steady performances, seems likely to stay as part of a well-rounded pitching staff.
However, beyond the obvious stars, the Padres’ roster presents several question marks, particularly among players with expiring contracts or those whose performances have not lived up to expectations.
The Players on the Bubble: Who Might Leave?
When it comes to players who might be on their way out, Xander Bogaerts is a name that has been thrown around frequently. Bogaerts, who signed a significant 11-year, $280 million deal last offseason, has been solid but not the transformative player the Padres expected. His production, while steady, has not been at the elite level one might expect from such a high-priced acquisition. With the Padres needing to reallocate resources elsewhere, the team could explore the possibility of trading Bogaerts, especially if they can land a significant return. However, this would require careful consideration, given his no-trade clause and his large contract.
Blake Snell, the reigning Cy Young winner in the National League, is another key player whose future in San Diego is in jeopardy. Despite his stellar performance in 2024, Snell is set to become a free agent after the season. Given the Padres’ financial situation and the potential for Snell to command a massive contract on the open market, it’s unlikely that the team will retain him unless they make significant moves to free up payroll space. Trading Snell, who would surely bring back top-tier prospects, might make sense as the Padres look to recalibrate their roster for 2025.
Josh Hader, like Snell, is a potential free agent and a player who could bring significant trade value. As one of the top closers in the game, Hader would likely attract interest from contenders looking to bolster their bullpen. Given the Padres’ uncertain competitive window and the need to balance their books, a trade of Hader could be in the cards, unless they can strike a deal to keep him in San Diego long-term.
The Wild Cards: Players Who Could Go Either Way
Trent Grisham has been a bit of a mystery in recent years. Known for his defensive prowess but inconsistent offensive numbers, Grisham’s future is uncertain. The Padres may choose to explore trade options if they feel they can improve the roster elsewhere. However, if the team decides that his defense and occasional offensive spark are essential to their depth, he could remain in the fold.
Another player whose future is unclear is Jake Cronenworth, who, despite his versatility and ability to play multiple positions, has had a mixed performance in 2024. Cronenworth’s flexibility makes him valuable to the team, but if the Padres look to make big moves in the offseason, he could be a player they try to move to address other areas of need.
Finally, Matt Carpenter and Nelson Cruz, both of whom are in the twilight of their careers, could also be on the move. If the Padres opt for a youth movement or want to bring in fresh energy, either could be part of a trade package.
The Big Picture: Looking Toward 2025
The Padres’ decisions in the coming offseason will be pivotal in determining their competitive trajectory. With a roster full of talent but a financial structure that demands careful balancing, the Padres will need to make tough calls about who stays and who goes. Fans of the Friar Podcast can expect a busy offseason with many twists and turns as the franchise attempts to position itself for success in 2025 and beyond. The future of the team hinges on these next steps—both on the field and in the front office.
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