San Diego Padres face a pivotal crossroads: can Craig Stamman’s rookie managerial leadership and AJ Preller’s bold strategies deliver playoff results in 2026, or is regression inevitable? With Nick Pivetta and Randy Vázquez’s breakout pitching ripe for statistical fall-off, and lingering questions around power hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, there are many reasons to bet AGAINST the Padres this season.

Javier Reyes breaks down the possible reasons for the Padres being a bust in 2026, including depth concerns, catching uncertainty with Freddy Fermín and Luis Campusano, trade deadline ammunition, division rivals improving considerably, and more! 

00:00 — Intro

2:12 — Padres 2026 Downside Case

08:20 — Roster Flexibility & Depth Concerns

18:45 — Pitching Regression & Division Challenges

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