Jessica: Wait, did you see that catch in the eighth? Garrett Mitchell robbed Manny Machado of a game-tying homer and single-handedly kept the Brewers alive. It was one of those plays that defines a season.
Mark: It was elite defense, Jessica. And it’s frustrating because that’s exactly what this team lacked all series—clutch moments to overcome a depleted rotation.
Jessica: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of daily sports analysis for fans who actually care about the details. I’m Jessica, and I’m here with Mark.
Mark: Hey everyone. We’re diving into your mailbag today. We’ve got questions on the offseason plans, the catcher battle, and how we recover from that NLDS exit.
Jessica: Before we get to your emails, let’s set the stage. The Padres finished 91-71, winning the NL West. But then they faced the Brewers in the Division Series.
Mark: Right. And after losing that final 3-1 decision, where Garrett Mitchell tripled and scored the tiebreaking run before making that pivotal catch on Machado, Milwaukee advances to the NLCS rematch with the Dodgers.
Jessica: So, three things coming up: First, we’re tackling the biggest question—what does the rotation look like now? Second, we’re debating the catcher depth chart. And third, a fun hypothetical about next year’s lineup.
Jessica: Let’s jump right in. Marcus in Denver asks: 'The rotation was clearly the issue against Milwaukee. With Giolito, Duran, Laureone, and others on the 60-day IL, what is the plan for winter?' This is huge.
Mark: It’s the obvious answer, Marcus. We said this last week—the Padres need a veteran starter on a one-year deal. You can’t rely on Buehler, King, Musgrove, Ray, Pivetta, Mize, Sears, Vasquez, and Hart alone if half are injured or unproven.
Jessica: Exactly. And looking at the roster, you have Walker Buehler, Michael King, Joe Musgrove, Robbie Ray, Nick Pivetta, Casey Mize, JP Sears, Randy Vasquez, and Kyle Hart. That’s nine starters listed. If three are out, that’s thin.
Mark: And it wasn’t just injury. In Game 4, when the pressure was on, the bullpen had to carry more load. Mason Miller returned from paternity leave to pitch in that final game, which shows they trust him, but relying on the closer for high-leverage spots every night wears down the whole staff.
Jessica: @PadresFan88 also chimes in: 'Do you think the front office will make a splash in free agency, or are they going to stick with internal options?' Given the 91-71 record, they have leverage.
Mark: They absolutely have leverage. Winning the division gives them priority access to free agents. I expect them to go hard for a proven ace. The Dodgers are waiting in the NLCS, and you don’t want to face LA again without maximizing your starting pitching.
Jessica: Right. And let’s not forget the bullpen. Jason Adam, Jhony Brito, Griffin Canning, Jeremiah Estrada, Garrett Hawkins, Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta, Bradgley Rodriguez, Hunter Stratton, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan. That’s a lot of arms.
Mark: But quality over quantity. Mason Miller is the anchor. Having guys like Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon helps, but you need consistency. If the rotation holds up, the bullpen stays fresh. If the rotation breaks down again, you’re in trouble.
Jessica: So, the takeaway: Sign a vet starter. Protect the bullpen. Let’s move to your second batch of questions.
Jessica: Sarah from Rochester writes: 'With Luis Campusano, Freddy Fermin, and Ethan Salas catching, who starts behind the plate next year? Is there a clear winner?' This is a hot topic.
Mark: Campusano is the incumbent. He’s the everyday catcher. Fermin provides defensive stability and experience. Salas is the prospect to watch. But realistically, Campusano retains the job unless he struggles offensively.
Jessica: Agreed. And defensively, having Fermin as a backup is key. If Campusano gets hit by a pitch or has an off day, Fermin keeps the defense sharp. Salas needs more time in the minors to prove he’s ready for MLB daily grind.
Mark: Also, consider the infield battles. You have Jake Cronenworth at second, Xander Bogaerts at short, Ty France and Gavin Sheets at first, Manny Machado at third. Plus Mason McCoy, Sung-Mun Song, Gage Workman. Depth is good, but roles need clarity.
Jessica: @BaseballNerdNY asks: 'Where do Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. fit in the outfield hierarchy? And what about Jase Bowen and Dustin Harris?'
Mark: Merrill is center field. Tatis is right field. Bowen and Harris provide left field options, with Samad Taylor also in the mix. The outfield is stacked. The real question is platoon splits. Can Bowen and Harris handle lefties consistently?
Jessica: And what about designated hitters? Miguel Andujar, Austin Hays, Will Wagner. You have three DHs listed. That suggests the club wants flexibility to rest corner infielders or outfielders during the long season.
Mark: Exactly. Andujar brings power. Hays brings contact. Wagner brings versatility. But if you’re playing daily, someone gets benched. The manager will have to make tough choices based on matchups and health.
Jessica: So, Campusano stays. Merrill/Tatis/Bowen-Harris-Taylor in the OF. Andujar/Hays/Wagner for DH duty. Let’s wrap up with some quick takes.
Jessica: Lightning round! First question: If you could bring back one player from last season who missed time, who is it?
Mark: Lucas Giolito. His stuff was electric before the injury. Having him back would change the entire dynamic of the rotation.
Jessica: Second: Who is the Mr. October candidate for the Padres this year?
Mark: Garrett Mitchell. That catch in the eighth inning? That’s playoff magic. He delivered when it mattered most.
Jessica: Third: What is the one thing the Padres MUST fix in the offseason?
Mark: Starting pitching depth. Again. You can’t win in October with holes in the rotation. Sign a veteran starter. Do it now.
Jessica: Final thought: Predictions for 2027. We talked about this before. Where do you see the Padres?
Mark: I still stand by my prediction. They finish with 98 wins and reach the NLCS. With a healthy rotation and the same core, they’re dangerous.
Jessica: That’s our episode. We covered the offseason rotation needs, the catcher battle, and honored Garrett Mitchell’s defensive gem. Thanks for listening.
Mark: If you enjoyed this breakdown, please subscribe, rate, and review us. Your support keeps the show free and daily. Check the link in the episode description to help fuel more deep dives like this one.
Jessica: We’ll be back tomorrow with more Padres news. Go Birds!