Myers solid building block
Notable spring face
1B Wil Myers: The Padres offense has promise, and there’s no question the face of their rebuilding phase is Myers, the club’s best player. His 2016 season produced career highs in runs (99), home runs (28), RBI (94) and stolen bases (28). The 26-year-old was selected to his first All-Star Game, and he will be the leader of a host of young talent for the Padres in 2017.
The Padres will need the star to stay healthy for a second consecutive season after not doing so the two before that while also remaining consistent at the plate. His production should help determine if San Diego can get out of the NL West cellar and continue the organization’s rebuild.
Burning question
Can the Padres bullpen save the rotation and a young offense?
After trading Fernando Rodney in late June, Brandon Maurer took over as the closer, converting 13 of 15 save opportunities and accumulating a 3.09 ERA. He should get first crack at the job.
Carter Capps returns to the bullpen after missing last season following Tommy John elbow surgery and is an intriguing setup option. The right-hander is slated to be ready for opening day and could give the Padres another closing option if Maurer struggles.
Left-handers Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter also return to a bullpen that could be a surprising strength, especially at the tail end. Look to 2015’s late-round gem, Phil Maton, to lead some talented prospects in a race to make the big-league club at some point in 2017.