4 San Diego Padres players that need to step up for them to have a chance in 2023

Heading into the trade deadline, there were questions as to whether or not San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller would be a buyer, seller, or stand pat. In the end, he made the right decision.

Preller bought and brought in veterans to add to a roster that has been playing some good baseball and is inching closer to the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. They still have four teams they need to jump to get into a spot, but there certainly is hope.

San Diego was dealt some bad news that Joe Musgrove has been shut down and one of the best Padres pitchers will not throw a baseball for at least three weeks. It is a harsh blow to a rotation just days after the trade deadline passed.

Now manager Bob Melvin and his team must pick up and march forward without their right-hander and not only does it put more pressure on the pitching staff, but also the offense which has been inconsistent at bad times in 2023.

If the Friars are going to continue their climb up the Wild Card standings, they are going to need some players to step both at the plate and in the field, as well as on the mound. They have some new and old options that need to step up and have some consistency if they are going to overcome their low playoff odds and get into October baseball.