Many pairs of eyes will be on the San Diego Padres this season after the frustrating campaign they had last year.
While many observers believed this organization had what it took to make it to the World Series, they were never able to hit their stride in 2023.
And it seems that California officials have learned some lessons from this debacle. Let's hope for them.
However, it will be without the services of Juan Soto, who was traded to the New York Yankees during this off-season, along with Trent Grisham.
And even if he believes in his teammates, the star of the Fathers, Manny Machado, knows that the loss of the Dominican will leave a chasm within the club.
We believe in the guys we have but obviously, no one can replace Soto. He's the best player in baseball. He is irreplaceable.
Certainly, the Padres, who finished with a record of 82 wins against 80 losses in 2023, will miss Soto's offensive production.
The 25-year-old was arguably one of the lone bright spots for the Padres last season, playing in all 162 of his team's regular season games, hitting for a .275 batting average to boot. to record a career-high 35 long balls.
Soto will certainly be a big help to the Bronx Bombers next season, forming with Aaron Judge probably the best hitting duo in the league.
It will be very different in San Diego, however, since the Padres, in addition to the loss of Soto, may have to start the season without Manny Machado. The star third baseman had elbow surgery during the winter.
