Hop to it, the rebuilding process begins

San Diego has had some recent success, but not enough for a playoff spot, and now as the 2025 season gets underway, the Hops must look closely at the process of rebuilding. The first step was to reduce ticket prices in order to encourage more fans to attend picturesque BrewStade. Projections are good that this will increase financial stability and perhaps avoid tragedies like the departure of perennial all-star, Terrence Sepkiechler to free agency.

Catcher:
Phillip Smith, 36, is signed for another year, and will share platoon duties with 33 year old, Morgan Cairns. Lefty swinging Smith had a surprising good year, while Cairns is a bit of a drop offensively, but shows good pitcher handling acumen. Goldi Lebel is still available as a catcher, but the star is likely to spend more time in CF or SS, if he is not dealt.

Infield:
1b: Buddah Stalin is having a great spring, while Kyle Reader is expected to be the starter coming off another great hitting year, smacking a robust .337, though without much power. Jejomar Batardo, currently on the injured list, can also spell these two at 1b. No sure-fire prospects are coming up in the minors, though Robert Afilhado and Joe Calhoun have been decent in cup-of-coffee appearances.

2b: Carlos Gamboa, who will also play SS, Walt Carter and Gerard Leeder are the incumbents, with hopes that Leeder realizes his four star potential. At 22, he has a bright future, but has yet to hit above .247 in his two stints on a big league roster. Paul Miller, one of the possible 3b, is also passable at the keystone.

3b: Ken Abbott has the job to lose, with Paul Miller in the wings. Waqar Kharoti is an interesting story in AA. He has the most raw power of the prospects down on the farm.

SS: Goldi Lebel, or Gamboa, will be here, as San-pao Chio and Tae-kyun Hong continue to mature. Lebel is equally adept in CF or C, so whatever the disposition of gloves, his will be utilized.

OF:

Daniel Lopez, pictured here in a Coronado Phantom AAA uniform, is expected to carry a heavier load with Jejomar Batardo on the DL. He will be in RF, with Carlos Avila in CF as long as his body will allow him, or super glove, and hitter, Goldi Lebel. Ricardo Romo emerged as a star in LF, as did Tom Cassidy, who looks to be odd man out in the crowded outfield. Badry Makaev, Julio Ruiz, Randall Parks and Ron Acker are all trying to break into the picture, with Sergio Aragon on the outside looking in. This is the group that will be on trading blocks as the season unfolds.

Pitching:
Mal Tosewell is back after missing most of 2024 to injury. He is 47-14 in his four year career, but two of those seasons were seriously curtailed by injuries. After Mal, it looks interesting, and this is where San Diego needs to add some star power. Rounding out the rotation are Francisco Rolon, also coming off injury, Jin-song Cheung, also coming off injury, and Bill Baker. Fighting for the five spot will be Lorenzo Pueblo, Tad Kato, Jorge Ortiz and Chris Hastings.

The bullpen has had its moments, mostly down, in the last few years. Closer Ed Downing has lost his job to Bob Moore who responded with 37 saves for a down team. Adjir Kasakya got some rookie of the year votes, and whoever doesn't make the rotation will be expected to fill out the pen.

Overall prospectus:
Lucky to reach .500, and no doubt will trade a big name or two in order to improve its infield and pitching.