The San Diego Padres wasted their massive amount of talent last season. Superstar shortstop Ferando Tatis Jr. had an MVP-caliber season but it wasn't enough to even get the Padres a winning record.
San Diego already needed to make some big moves this offseason, and that was before losing closing pitcher Mark Melancon to their division rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks, in free agency. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres showed strong interest in All-Star right fielder Nick Castellanos before the MLB lockout ensued.
The #Padres showing strong interest in free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos but nothing imminent with pending lockout.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 2, 2021
The 29-year-old Castellanos had the best season of his career in 2021, posting an OPS of .939 and hitting 34 home runs, which tied for seventh-most in the National League. He received an All-Star nomination and a Silver Slugger Award, each the first of his career.
Last season, the Padres offense posted a below-average slugging percentage. Castellanos may not be able to replicate what he did last season but he could still provide some help by occupying one of the corner outfield spots. He could possibly take 33-year-old Tommy Pham's spot in the outfield and move Wil Meyers to left field.
The main issue with Castellanos is that he is a weak defender. He is also bad at drawing walks. The Padres will have to seriously weigh the one season he showed as a great slugger with those weaknesses before signing him to a large contract.
It's unclear when Castellanos will get the chance to hit drives into deep left field again, or if San Diego will continue to pursue him once the lockout gets resolved. But his hitting skills would be a big help for the Padres.
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