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Jeff Passan calls Padres best fit for $50 million White Sox slugger

Jeff Passan Declares San Diego Padres the Best Team in Baseball Amid Surging Season

In a bold proclamation that's sure to stir debate among baseball fans, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has crowned the San Diego Padres as the premier team in Major League Baseball right now. This assessment comes at a pivotal moment in the season, with the Padres riding a wave of momentum that has transformed them from early-season underachievers into a juggernaut poised for postseason dominance. Passan's endorsement isn't just hyperbole; it's rooted in a deep analysis of the team's composition, resilience, and on-field execution, painting a picture of a squad that's not only talented but also battle-tested and hungry.

The Padres' journey to this lofty status has been anything but straightforward. Entering the season with sky-high expectations following a flurry of high-profile acquisitions and extensions, the team stumbled out of the gate. Injuries plagued key contributors, and the offense, expected to be a powerhouse, sputtered inconsistently. Yet, as Passan points out, it's precisely this adversity that has forged the Padres into what he believes is the most complete team in the league. "They've got everything," Passan said in his recent commentary. "Pitching depth, a lineup that can beat you in multiple ways, and that intangible grit that separates contenders from pretenders."

At the heart of the Padres' resurgence is their star-studded lineup, which Passan describes as a "murderer's row" capable of overwhelming any pitching staff. Leading the charge is Manny Machado, the veteran third baseman whose leadership and clutch hitting have been instrumental. Machado, a perennial All-Star, has bounced back from a slow start to deliver the kind of power and consistency that reminds everyone why he's one of the game's elite. Complementing him is the electrifying Fernando Tatis Jr., whose return from injury and suspension has injected pure dynamism into the team. Tatis's speed, arm strength, and home run prowess make him a five-tool threat, and Passan notes how his presence alone shifts the balance of games. "When Tatis is on, the Padres are unstoppable," Passan emphasized.

But it's not just the superstars carrying the load. Xander Bogaerts, signed to a massive deal before the season, has settled into his role at shortstop, providing steady defense and timely hits. Jake Cronenworth, the versatile infielder, has been a model of consistency, while Ha-Seong Kim's Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base has solidified the infield. On the outfield front, Jurickson Profar has emerged as a revelation, posting career-best numbers and adding depth to an already potent group. Passan highlights how this collective effort has created a balanced attack: "It's not reliant on one or two guys. Everyone contributes, and that's what makes them so dangerous."

Pitching has been the unsung hero of the Padres' turnaround, and Passan devotes significant praise to this aspect. The rotation, anchored by Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, offers a blend of experience and strikeout ability. Darvish, with his arsenal of pitches, remains one of the most unhittable arms in the game when healthy, while Musgrove's command and poise in big spots have been crucial. Blake Snell, the former Cy Young winner, has rediscovered his form after a rocky start, delivering dominant outings that harken back to his peak. Passan points to the addition of depth pieces like Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo as savvy moves that have bolstered the staff without breaking the bank. "Their rotation is deep and versatile," Passan said. "They can match up against anyone in a short series or grind through the regular season."

The bullpen, often a weak link for contending teams, has become a strength for San Diego. Closer Josh Hader, with his triple-digit fastball and devastating slider, locks down games in the ninth, but it's the setup crew—Robert Suarez, Tim Hill, and others—that provides reliability in high-leverage situations. Passan underscores how the pitching staff's ability to limit runs has complemented the offense perfectly, creating a symbiotic relationship that few teams can replicate.

What truly sets the Padres apart, according to Passan, is their mental fortitude. This team has weathered storms: the suspension of Tatis, injuries to key players like Darvish and Machado, and even front-office drama surrounding general manager A.J. Preller's aggressive trading style. Yet, they've emerged stronger, posting one of the best records in baseball since the All-Star break. Passan draws parallels to championship-caliber teams of the past, noting how the Padres' ability to win in different ways—blowouts, close games, comebacks—mirrors the versatility of dynasties like the Yankees of the late '90s or the recent Astros.

Comparisons to other top teams are inevitable, and Passan doesn't shy away from them. The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennial favorites in the NL West, boast their own star power with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, but Passan argues that the Padres' depth gives them an edge, especially with the Dodgers dealing with pitching inconsistencies. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies have a fearsome lineup led by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, but their bullpen vulnerabilities could be exploited. Over in the American League, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles present stiff competition, yet Passan believes the Padres' overall balance tips the scales. "Right now, if I had to pick one team to win it all, it's San Diego," he stated unequivocally.

This isn't to say the Padres are without flaws. Passan acknowledges areas for improvement, such as occasional defensive lapses and the need for consistent production from the bottom of the order. The grind of the remaining schedule, including tough matchups against division rivals, will test their mettle. Moreover, the playoffs are a different beast, where anything can happen—a hot pitcher or a timely hit can upend the best-laid plans. But Passan's confidence stems from the team's trajectory: they've peaked at the right time, building chemistry and confidence that could carry them deep into October.

Looking ahead, the Padres are well-positioned for a playoff run. With a comfortable lead in the wild-card race and a shot at overtaking the Dodgers for the division crown, the stage is set for drama. Passan envisions a scenario where San Diego not only makes the postseason but dominates it, potentially facing off against heavyweights in a World Series matchup that would captivate the baseball world. "This team has the it factor," he concluded. "They've got the talent, the heart, and the hunger. Watch out, because the Padres are coming for everything."

In an era where parity reigns in MLB, declarations like Passan's add fuel to the fire of fan discussions and expert analyses. Whether the Padres live up to this billing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: they've captured the attention of the baseball universe, and with each win, they're proving that they might just be the best team out there. As the season hurtles toward its climax, all eyes will be on San Diego to see if they can turn potential into a championship parade.

Read the Full The Sporting News Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jeff-passan-calls-padres-best-214552177.html ]