Padres Could Bring Back a Familiar Face in Free Agency This Offseason—But Is It the Right Move?
As the San Diego Padres enter yet another offseason with high expectations but an underwhelming 2023 season in the rearview, rumors are swirling around the potential for a reunion with a familiar face. This time, it’s not about bringing in a high-profile name like Juan Soto or Manny Machado but rather about the possible return of Wil Myers, a player who has become synonymous with the rollercoaster ride that is Padres baseball.
To say Myers is a polarizing figure in San Diego would be an understatement. After an eight-year tenure with the Padres that spanned both the team’s darkest days and its resurgence into relevance, Myers was ultimately released following the 2022 season. But now, with the Padres needing cost-effective options and clubhouse stability, a Myers comeback could make sense. Still, the question remains: would re-signing Myers really address the Padres’ needs, or would it signal a return to familiar mistakes?
Pros of Bringing Myers Back: Familiarity and Fan Connection
There’s no denying that Myers has a connection to the Padres fanbase that few players can replicate. He was one of the longest-tenured Padres during his initial run with the team, standing by through their lengthy rebuild and often serving as a consistent contributor both on and off the field. Myers has always been a fan favorite, and his return would undoubtedly inject some nostalgia into the fanbase, which might be looking for a silver lining after a frustrating season.
For the Padres, Myers could offer versatility, something he proved capable of providing during his earlier stint. His ability to play both corner outfield spots as well as first base would give the Padres options, particularly if they need a player who can bridge the gap while they consider more permanent solutions in the lineup.
Beyond that, Myers could be signed for relatively little money, given his limited market appeal after a difficult 2023 season with the Reds. With the Padres needing to manage their finances carefully if they hope to keep Soto and build a sustainable roster around Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Myers could fit the bill as a low-cost option with known chemistry in the clubhouse.
Cons of Re-Signing Myers: A Step Backward?
While the idea of bringing back Myers might be enticing to some, it’s worth asking whether this would be a step in the wrong direction for the Padres. The fact is, Myers’ performance on the field has declined significantly in recent years. During his 2023 season with the Cincinnati Reds, Myers struggled at the plate, posting some of the worst offensive numbers of his career. The Padres, who are desperate for consistent offensive output, would be taking a risk by assuming Myers could return to form, especially when younger, more productive options may be available on the market.
Beyond performance, a reunion could send the wrong message to a fanbase that’s come to expect more from their team. The Padres have evolved past their “rebuilding” years; they are now a franchise that spends big, makes headlines, and competes with the heavyweights in the National League. Myers, as endearing as he may be, represents a chapter that the team arguably needs to close rather than revisit.
Additionally, some could argue that Myers’ return wouldn’t solve the deeper issues plaguing the Padres’ roster. The Padres’ bullpen and pitching staff have been inconsistent, and the offensive lineup has faced challenges. Does signing a declining Myers really help address these critical areas, or is it simply an emotional move to appease fans with a familiar face?
The Fan Divide: Sentimentality vs. Performance
For fans, the possibility of Myers returning is likely to stir up mixed feelings. On one hand, Padres fans have watched their team endure endless cycles of rebuilding, and Myers was a constant presence during those lean years. To see him come back might feel like a rewarding conclusion to that era, and it could provide a morale boost for a fanbase seeking a sense of continuity.
However, other fans might argue that this is a case of misplaced nostalgia. The Padres, they contend, should be forward-thinking and not beholden to past players who no longer offer a competitive edge. They want to see the Padres move on from the shadows of previous seasons, not rekindle them.
The Padres’ front office, too, must tread carefully. As an organization striving for a World Series, signing players purely based on sentiment could be a costly distraction from the ultimate goal. The team has made significant financial investments in the last few years, and ownership has made it clear that the priority is winning. A Myers signing that doesn’t tangibly improve the roster would raise questions about the team’s commitment to that mission.
Conclusion: A Risky Move in a Pivotal Offseason
As tempting as it might be to bring back Wil Myers, the Padres face a pivotal moment this offseason, one that requires decisive moves, not sentimental ones. With free agents available who can make an immediate impact and areas of the roster in clear need of upgrades, San Diego can’t afford to make decisions based solely on nostalgia.
If Myers can prove he’s still capable of contributing at a high level, then perhaps a reunion could make sense. However, a decision to bring him back without careful consideration would risk sending a message that the Padres are more concerned with looking back than moving forward. In an offseason where every choice matters, San Diego must ask itself a tough question: does bringing back Wil Myers bring them closer to a championship, or is it merely a comforting callback todays that are better left behind?
