Runs are a premium in October baseball.
The 2025 San Diego Padres’ offense has developed two distinct personas, much like the fictional characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Why such a wide range of discrepancy from a team heading to the postseason? Let’s identify what is and what is not good offensive baseball, because the latter is not conducive to October success.
Hello Dr. Jekyll, so glad to see you
Dr. Jekyll represents an offense that can score runs in bunches with timely hitting. No deficit is insurmountable as the bats are ready to put up a big inning and claim the lead.
The Padres are at their best when they’re punching runs across the plate by taking advantage of the opponents’ misfortunes. The lineup is having good at-bats and putting the pressure on the pitcher to become perfect and limit the damage.
Stay away, Mr. Hyde
Mr. Hyde embodies what is bad about the Friars’ offense. The bats are incapable of putting two hits together, as runners are left stranded on base with nothing to show for their effort on the scoreboard. The fans feel helpless with no hope in sight.
The Friar Faithful have seen enough offensive futility to last a lifetime this season. Often, the crowds exit Petco Park befuddled by what they witnessed.
Padres’ trouble converting with RISP
The biggest problem area has been the lineup’s inability to plate runners in scoring position. The team is hitting .258 with RISP, which ranks 12th in the majors this season. The average is an improvement from last season’s final number. However, those same inconsistencies from a year ago creep back into prominence when the bats go silent.
The Friar Faithful know when things are going badly at the plate. The lineup struggles to score runs despite hitting several pitches with authority. Often, potential scoring rallies end with a strikeout, deep fly ball caught at the warning track, or hard-hit ground ball for a double play to end the threat.
The Padres cannot afford to go through another stretch of missed scoring opportunities. If so, then their offseason vacation plans will begin earlier than expected.
Lack of power hurts in close games
Another problem area for the Friars has been their record in extra-inning games (0-10) and one-run contests (3-9). The lack of power hitting late in close games has contributed to the poor record.
The Friars’ power numbers have significantly dropped from last season’s totals. Currently, the team is ranked 27th in the majors. Struggling to hit the ball out of the ballpark or for an extra-base hit makes it difficult to win close games or extra-inning affairs.
To be successful in the postseason, the Padres must become more aggressive at the plate. However, it is hard to string multiple hits against the top bullpens in baseball today. Most teams rely on one big swing to change the momentum of playoff games in their favor.
For their sake, the Friars are not good enough to expect their power supply to carry them through the postseason. Thus, the offense must be as potent as possible heading into October baseball.
Anyone can shine under the bright lights of October baseball
In the postseason, it does not matter who becomes productive at the plate. Often, someone emerges from the shadows and takes the opportunity to shine in the moment. The result is a memorable playoff performance. Each player in the Friars lineup can seize this moment and win a game with their bat.
Major League Baseball is a results-based business. October baseball offers no time for excuses. A crushing defeat feels like a day in the dentist’s chair. Teams need to have short memories to turn their fate around.
The 2025 Padres offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it has several flaws that could impact postseason success. All you need to do is outscore your opponent by one run to win the game.
The task will not be easy, but do not count out the Friars.
Category: General Sports
