March has arrived, and with it, the countdown to Opening Day for the San Diego Padres is in full swing. After a disappointing postseason exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, the Padres are eager to turn the page and make a deeper run in 2025. The team is banking on its current roster to deliver, despite a relatively quiet offseason that saw the departure of several key contributors.
While Spring Training results aren’t the main focus, individual performances are worth keeping an eye on. Top prospects Leo De Vries (ranked No. 18) and Ethan Salas (ranked No. 33) have both seen action in the Cactus League. De Vries has two hits in 12 at-bats so far, while Salas has one hit in seven plate appearances. Both 18-year-olds are highly touted, but it remains to be seen when they’ll make their major league debuts. They are the Padres’ only representatives in the top-100 prospect rankings.
On the pitching side, newly signed right-hander Nick Pivetta, who inked a four-year, $55 million deal in February, has yet to take the mound in Spring Training. Staying healthy will be critical for the Padres, especially after a 2024 season plagued by injuries. Luis Arraez missed 45 games, Xander Bogaerts was out for 51 games, and Fernando Tatis Jr. sat for 60 games. Despite these setbacks, the Padres managed to reach the postseason and even won a series. However, if they hope to make a World Series push in 2025, keeping their stars on the field will be essential.
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