New York Mets: The biggest threats in the National League

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets celebrates his second inning 2-run home run with Dominic Smith #2 against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 08, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets celebrates his second inning 2-run home run with Dominic Smith #2 against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 08, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 08: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres tosses the ball to Manny Machado #13 during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the National League Division Series at Globe Life Field on October 08, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

No team has made more noise this offseason than the Padres. After getting a good taste of playoff baseball last year, they are coming back even harder this year.

This offseason, the Padres put themselves in the argument for having one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball. They acquired not only former Cy Young Winner Blake Snell from the Rays, but also traded for Yu Darvish from the Cubs, and Joe Musgrove from the Pirates. Pair those three guys up with Chris Paddack and Dinelson Lamet, and the Padres have a rotation stacked with power arms.

It also helps that they have Fernando Tatis Jr., the most electric young player in baseball. At just 22 years old, Tatis has already established himself as one of the best players in baseball. Pair him up with Manny Machado on the left side of the infield, and they have an incredible duo.

Machado is coming off of a great 2020 season, where he hit .304 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs in just 224 at-bats. At 28 years old he’s in the middle of his prime and ready to come back and dominate this year.

The Padres also feature a ton of younger talent that could end up making an impact in the league as soon as this year. MLB’s 6th ranked prospect is LHP Mackenzie Gore, who could see big league time as early as this coming season.

Of course, the Padres themselves will also have to get through the Dodgers in their own division, but make no mistake, the Padres are ready to compete.