The San Diego Padres recently made a significant move by parting ways with two of their top experienced superstars, marking a turning point in the franchise’s offseason strategy. These departures highlight the team’s shift toward a more flexible roster structure as they assess their performance following the 2023 season, where they fell short of expectations.
One of the key players to exit was long-time star pitcher Blake Snell, a former Cy Young Award winner. Snell, who played a crucial role in the Padres’ rotation, is now a free agent, likely seeking a lucrative contract after a stellar individual season. His departure leaves a notable gap in the Padres’ pitching staff, which the team will need to address in the offseason, either by promoting younger talent or pursuing other free-agent options.
The second major departure was slugger Josh Hader, one of the most dominant closers in the game. Hader’s ability to close out games with his power pitching was invaluable, but the Padres, focusing on salary cap flexibility and future planning, chose not to retain the All-Star closer. Like Snell, Hader will command significant attention in the free-agent market, and his exit signals that San Diego is likely reconfiguring its bullpen to stay competitive while potentially saving on big contracts.
Both players were instrumental in the Padres’ efforts to contend in recent years, but their exits are part of a broader roster shake-up. The Padres are now looking toward younger, more cost-effective players to step up and fill key roles. This move also opens the door for the team to explore new additions in free agency or trades as they look to maintain their competitiveness in the highly competitive NL West.
The loss of Snell and Hader will undoubtedly challenge the Padres, but it also gives the team an opportunity to reshape its roster and potentially build a more balanced and sustainable squad for the future.
The San Diego Padres released outfielder Óscar Mercado on Thursday after needing to make room on their Triple-A El Paso roster for Brandon Lockridge, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees earlier in the week. This decision came after Mercado spent the majority of his 2023 season playing at the Triple-A level, without receiving a call-up to the Padres’ major league roster.
Mercado, 29, had some big-league experience in 2023, playing in 20 games with the St. Louis Cardinals before being sent to the minor leagues. While with the Cardinals, his performance wasn’t enough to keep him in the major leagues long-term, and he eventually ended up in the Padres’ system. He signed with San Diego, hoping to work his way back up to the majors, but that opportunity never came despite his efforts.
During his time with Triple-A El Paso, Mercado put up a .226 batting average with a .307 on-base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage. Over the course of 307 plate appearances, he hit 11 home runs and stole 12 bases, showing his ability to contribute both offensively and on the basepaths. However, these numbers weren’t impressive enough to earn him a spot back on a major league roster, especially with the Padres looking at other options to fill their outfield needs.
Mercado has been a versatile player throughout his career, with a reputation for solid defense and speed. His ability to cover ground in the outfield and swipe bases made him a useful asset, particularly in a backup or platoon role. However, his inconsistent hitting has been a challenge throughout his time in the majors. His career .237 batting average and .683 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) reflect a player who has had moments of success but has struggled to find sustained performance at the plate.
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Mercado was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in 2018, where he found some early success. In 2019, his rookie season with Cleveland, Mercado hit .269 with 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases, showing promise as an everyday outfielder. However, he wasn’t able to replicate that success in the following seasons, bouncing between the majors and minors with inconsistent results.
Now, at 29 years old and recently released from the Padres organization, Mercado will need to look for another opportunity, either with a different major league team or potentially pursuing options internationally or in independent leagues. His mix of experience and skills, particularly on defense and as a base stealer, could still make him an attractive option for a team in need of outfield depth, though his offensive struggles will likely limit his opportunities.
With Lockridge now taking Mercado’s spot in El Paso, the Padres continue to evaluate their roster and explore options to improve their depth, especially in the outfield. Meanwhile, Mercado’s journey in professional baseball will continue, though it remains uncertain where his next chapter will unfold.
