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The San Diego Padres are in a position to contend for a World Series title. The team is close, but they need to upgrade the tail-end of the roster. The only problem is- it appears the team is maxed out in their spending. 

In the history of the San Diego Padres, there have only been a few times the team has put itself in a position to win this late in the season.

The 1984 and 1998 teams emerged from nowhere to secure the franchise’s only National League Championship. That was a special time for San Diego, but their success was short-lived.

The recent regime built a juggernaut of a roster, spending well over $200 million per season, but prosperity has not been easy for the group. Even the addition of Juan Soto during the 2022 season could not push this group of players into the promised land. It takes luck, and the Padres are still searching for success.

In examining the roster, there are arguably three or four men who would be hard-pressed to find a spot on another team’s major league roster. That is just the truth. These deficiencies are on the offensive side, where the Padres are struggling to find any consistency.

With Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill both struggling, the failures of the bottom of the lineup are magnified. It is getting bad.

The bench consists of players who are not producing. Late in games, the Padres are unable to capitalize and take the lead, as their bottom of the lineup is not productive. There is no hope.

Something must be done.

There are multiple reports that the Padres are hamstrung when it comes to payroll. Although the team is not indicating anything, there is a sense that they are unwilling to spend any more money. Even though they are top 10 in MLB payroll, the new ownership group refuses to spend more.

That is not a good thing. The nucleus of the team is built. The hard work has been done. Not going the extra mile and strengthening the bench would be a horrendous move for the Padres. You must strike when the iron is hot, and San Diego is built to win now.

Major League Baseball is a business. You must invest in a business to get maximum results. Not doing so is foolish. Peter Seidler knew that fact. The late owner deserves a ton of credit for investing in the team and creating what you see before you. He thrust the Padres into relevancy. But his legacy needs to be protected. The Padres need to keep investing in their quest.

In the winter, the Padres signed Yuli Gurriel, Jason Heyward, and Connor Joe. That trio came to San Diego for a total of just over $3 million. Each man did not make it through the month of May. The team essentially ate $3 million and replaced them with minor league players—men who simply are not contributing.

To upgrade the roster with veteran players, the Padres would need to invest. They would need to spend money. There is no doubt about that.

Petco Park is sold out virtually every game. They have the finances to commit a little more to the team. An investment would not be costly either, as the Padres do not need to trade for superstars. The roster is full of highly paid players. San Diego only needs role players. Men off the bench who can produce. Veterans with a proven track record of success.

As a Padres fan, it is frustrating to see this team lose because the roster is top-heavy.

Something must be done. The Padres must upgrade the roster. They must stop being frugal and invest the necessary funds to get this team to where it needs to be.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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