The Padres looked on the verge of being contenders to knock off the Dodgers in the NL West coming into last year. They ended their 13-year playoff drought in 2020 when San Diego lost in the National League Division Series (3-0). On Aug. 10 last season, the Padres were 18 games above .500 with a 67-49 record (6.5 games out of first place). However, they went 12-34 over their final 46 contests to drop 28 games off the pace. San Diego lost in both of their trips to the World Series (1984 and 1998), with four other appearances in the postseason in the team’s 53-year history.
They finished 14th in ERA (4.10) while ranking better in the bullpen (3.62 ERA – fifth). Their relievers won 43 games with 31 losses and 43 saves. San Diego scored 729 runs (14th), hit 180 home runs (23rd) and stole 110 bases (second).
The Padres signed OF Nomar Mazara, SP Nick Martinez, RP Luis Garcia and RP Robert Suarez in the offseason. In addition, they acquired C Jorge Alfaro in a deal with the Marlins for a player to be named later. San Diego lost OF Tommy Pham, RP Mark Melancon (ARI), RP Daniel Hudson (LAD), RP Keone Kela and SP Jake Arrieta to free agency.
