Can the Padres compete with the Dodgers in 2024?

The Padres entered the 2023 season with the highest payroll in team history, a star-studded lineup and dreams of delivering the city’s first-ever World Series championship.

The Padres promptly Chargered, finishing with an 82-80 record and missing the playoffs.

Manager Bob Melvin left for the Giants amid reports of discord with GM A.J. Preller, and the Padres’ “Big Four” became a “Big Three” following the trade of Juan Soto to the Yankees. Owner Peter Seidler died in November, leaving a new principal control person — Eric Kutsenda — in charge of the club.

Where does that leave the Padres heading into 2024? And how can they possibly compete with the rival Dodgers, who won their 10th National League West title in 11 years and then signed Shohei Ohtani to a $700-million contract?

Fortunately for the Friars, Major League Baseball has added a third wild-card spot in each league, providing teams with a path to the championship even if they fall short in their division races.

So, yes, the Padres have a path forward.

Fernando Tatis Jr. won a Platinum Glove playing right field, and third baseman Manny Machado battled injuries to post another solid season. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts may not have delivered on his $280 million contract, but he proved late in the season that, when healthy, he can be a force. Ha-seong Kim has the look of an infield star, and pitchers Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, once healthy, should again provide reliable innings atop the rotation.

The Padres plan to pare payroll, and taking scissors to the roster has left holes. Starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo both signed with the Kansas City Royals in free agency, and NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is likely to follow them out the door. The team has a shortage of Mlb-caliber outfielders, and there are continued questions behind the plate and at first base. But there’s reason to believe the Padres can compete, and it goes beyond off-season optimism.