The San Diego Padres' 2025 season ended in heartbreak as they crumbled against the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round, leaving fans and critics alike questioning what went wrong. But here's where it gets brutally honest: even the team's own chairman isn't afraid to lay bare the truth about their shortcomings. And this is the part most people miss—their pitching was actually solid, but their offense simply couldn't keep up, scoring a measly five runs across three games. That’s like trying to win a marathon with one leg tied behind your back!
In a move that’s as rare as it is refreshing, Padres chairman John Seidler didn’t mince words. He flat-out admitted that while the team has made the postseason four times in the last six years and even posted back-to-back 90-win seasons for the first time in franchise history, they still fell short of the ultimate goal: a World Series Championship. ‘Our elimination in the Wild Card round was a disappointment and exposed areas where we must improve,’ Seidler wrote, adding that the team will dive deep into a review to ensure they don’t repeat this season’s mistakes. Talk about owning up to the problem!
More news: Check out how Manny Machado fired back at a reporter after the loss (https://www.si.com/mlb/padres/san-diego-padres-news/padres-manny-machado-claps-back-at-reporter-after-wild-card-loss) and what Fernando Tatis had to say about his own postseason performance (https://www.si.com/mlb/padres/san-diego-padres-news/padres-fernando-tatis-gets-honest-about-his-disappointing-postseason-performance).
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Seidler’s last sentence is a clear signal that change is coming. The Padres, despite comfortably making the postseason, were clearly struggling by September, winning only 14 out of 25 games. That’s like a student acing most of the year but bombing the final exam—disappointing, to say the least. However, here’s the twist: while the front office is promising a thorough review, reports suggest that key figures like president of baseball operations A.J. Preller and manager Mike Shildt are likely to stay put. ‘Multiple sources have said Shildt’s spot is virtually guaranteed and that Preller’s long-term employment with the Padres is practically assured,’ reported The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee. Some sources even hint that Preller might get an extension this month. Bold move, or is it a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’?
According to Acee’s sources, the Padres are zeroing in on their hitting philosophy, particularly their lack of power. They ranked a dismal 28th in home runs this season, a stark contrast to their 10th-place finish in 2024. It’s like going from a heavyweight boxer to a lightweight overnight. With several coaches set to have their contracts expire, expect a shakeup in the assistant coaching ranks as the team gears up for a deeper playoff run in 2026. Could this be the year they finally turn things around?
For more on the Padres’ journey, head over to Padres on SI (https://www.si.com/mlb/padres). And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is it time for a radical overhaul, or can the Padres salvage their season with incremental changes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
