The San Diego Padres notched up 90 victories this season, securing a spot in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, their journey was halted by the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card Series.
This outcome was disappointing, particularly after the Padres advanced to the National League Division Series in 2024, challenging the eventual champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, to a tense fifth game. This performance marked a decline from their 2022 postseason, where they reached the National League Championship Series by defeating the Dodgers in the division series.
Looking ahead, the Padres aim to push further next season, led by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. To achieve this, they will likely need to surpass the Dodgers once more. As fierce division rivals, the Padres and Dodgers often clash in the regular season, and any team with hopes of claiming the National League pennant should be ready to face the Dodgers during the playoffs.
San Diego Padres Manager Looks Forward To ‘Battles’ With Los Angeles Dodgers
This intense rivalry is well recognized within the Padres organization, including by their new manager, Craig Stammen, who took over after Mike Shildt’s departure this offseason.
“We’ve definitely had a lot of battles with them,” Stammen remarked about the Dodgers during a recent interview on “Foul Territory.” “We’re looking forward to those battles this season.”
“We’ve definitely had a lot of battles with them,” Stammen said of his outlook on the Dodgers for next season, during a recent appearance on “Foul Territory.” “We’re looking forward to those battles this season.”
That attitude might seem like a given from the Padres’ new manager, but in the context of the offseason so far, it would be understandable if Stammen felt like the gap between the two teams was getting wider.
Los Angeles Dodgers Seem To Be Gaining Ground On San Diego Padres
The Dodgers have now won back-to-back championships and added All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to the roster. Meanwhile, the Padres have had more of a modest offseason, re-signing Michael King and adding Sung-Mun Song while losing Dylan Cease, Robert Suarez and Ryan O’Hearn. The Padres might also start next season without Luis Arraez and several other players who remain free agents.
With that backdrop, Stammen delivered a noteworthy, four-word vow about how he expects his team to match up with the reigning champions.
“We’re going to compete,” Stammen said during the “Foul Territory” appearance.
Unless the Padres’ front office makes some significant moves in the next few weeks, it might be hard to imagine the rivalry being very competitive next season. But no matter who takes the field, Padres’ series with the Dodgers are usually pretty entertaining.
