Locked On Padres - Daily Podcast On The San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres face their first early-season challenge as Nick Pivetta’s Opening Day start is in jeopardy. With starting rotation questions swirling, can Michael King or Joe Musgrove step up, and will the Padres’ revamped bullpen depth hold strong? Host Javier Reyes unpacks the implications of Pivetta's setback, the fierce competition for the fifth starter spot, and the promise shown by arms like Bradley Rodriguez and Jason Adam.

Then Javi gets into some of the latest news in Padreland, with stars shining at the World Baseball Classic with Manny Machado’s dazzling defense and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s grand slam energizing fans. Javi also spotlights Ramon Laureano’s breakout potential, debates trade rumors involving Tatis, and answers listener questions on sleeper picks for breakout seasons, lineup changes, and the future of the managerial position. Go Padres.

00:00 — Intro

1:30 — Nick Pivetta Injury Update

10:23 — Padres News & WBC Highlights

21:21 — Listener Mailbag

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/javiipeno.bsky.social

Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@javioos

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Xander Bogaerts’ contract a burden or is there still value for the San Diego Padres? Javier Reyes tackles the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of Bogaerts’ 2025 campaign, spotlighting his defensive prowess, advanced plate discipline, and potential to be a pivotal bat in the Padres lineup. With the team’s financial flexibility at stake, questions around whether Bogaerts can shake his streak of lackluster power hitting and emerge as THE X factor in 2026.

Other key discussion points include Bogaerts’ excellent June/July stretch, his struggles with runners in scoring position, how new hitting coach Stephen Souza Jr. might unlock more production, comparisons to Eric Hosmer (oh yeah, it's that bad) and Jake Cronenworth put Bogaerts’ performance in perspective, insights into his contract’s implications for the Padres’ future roster moves, and more! Go Padres. 

00:00 — Intro

1:11 — Xander Bogaerts Overview & 2025 Recap

10:33 — Reasons for Optimism

17:09 — Concerns & X-Factor Questions for 2026

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/javiipeno.bsky.social

Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@javioos

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Randy Vázquez is turning heads at San Diego Padres spring training—could this be the breakout that transforms the rotation? Javier Reyes highlights Vázquez’s impressive scoreless innings streak, rising velocity, and improved secondary pitches, examining his chances to lock down a starting spot and even shake up the debate over the Juan Soto trade. Insights on Matt Waldron’s health, Nick Pivetta’s regression concerns, and how Padres’ pitching development keeps finding new success stories.

Mailbag questions spark debates on Nick Castellanos’s value, injury risks in the World Baseball Classic for stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, plus deep dives into the Padres’ bench competition, bullpen clarity behind Mason Miller, and sleeper prospects with major-league potential. Go Padres. 

00:00 – Intro 

1:45 — Randy Vázquez Breakout & Spring Training Buzz

12:29 – Mailbag: Padres Questions & WBC Concerns

21:13 – Bullpen Battles, Prospects & Listener Questions

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/javiipeno.bsky.social

Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@javioos

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Padres face a pivotal question: is Manny Machado’s contract about to become MLB’s biggest albatross, or can the star third baseman continue to anchor the lineup in 2026? With power numbers intact but advanced defensive metrics dipping, fans wonder if the aging curve will finally catch up to Machado—especially after a pronounced second-half slump. Are recent front office signings signaling a plan to manage his workload and rejuvenate his game?

Javier Reyes previews Manny Machado's standing heading into 2026, examining the consistency in his bat, shifting defensive abilities, the effect of playing in Petco Park, new additions Sung Mun-seong and Miguel Andújar, and the Padres’ strategy for keeping Machado fresh. Go Padres.

00:00 — Intro

1:15 — Machado Contract Overview

10:09 — Advanced Stats & Aging Curve

20:27 — 2026 Outlook & Management

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/javiipeno.bsky.social

Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@javioos

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

San Diego Padres fans witnessed Nick Pivetta’s breakout campaign, but can he repeat his sharp 2.87 ERA season, or is regression inevitable? Joe Musgrove’s injury and Michael King’s absence left the Padres rotation in crisis, and Pivetta’s unexpected Cy Young-worthy performance was a lifeline. Did Petco Park’s pitcher-friendly environment simply mask long-term issues, or has Pivetta truly evolved with a new pitch mix and coaching support?

Javier Reyes investigates all these questions and more, discussing Pivetta's strikeout artistry, improvements in curveball and sweeper effectiveness, the risks tied to hard contact and BABIP luck. Plus, Javi breaks down why, even if Pivetta were to hit major regression, the Padres starting pitching could still be much better in 2026. Go Padres.

00:00 — Intro

1:11 — Pivetta saved the Padres

08:51 — Pitch Changes & Regression Risks

20:44 — Rotation Outlook

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/javiipeno.bsky.social

Follow on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@javioos

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.