The one-year statistical blip that resulted in Petco Park tilting slightly hitter-friendly in 2016 reversed course precipitously last season, so Petco back is in its traditional spot near the bottom in aiding offenses. Barring a major free-agent signing (Eric Hosmer has been a hot rumor), the Padres' MLB-worst offense will likely struggle again this season.
Headley, 33, returns to the scene of his career peak — when he hit .286 with 31 home runs and 115 RBI as a Padre in 2012. He's never hit more than 14 homers or driven in more than 64 runs in any other season.
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Galvis' numbers fell slightly last year in Philadelphia, but he's at least an offensive upgrade for the Padres at short. He played all 162 games in 2017, hitting .255 with 12 homers and 14 steals.
Ross is a low-cost gamble after signing a minor-league deal in December. He won a combined 23 games for the Padres in 2014-15 before missing almost all of 2017 with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Players to watch
1B Wil Myers
RP Brad Hand
Myers is the one player in the Padres lineup pitchers want to avoid. He set a career-high with 30 home runs last season and continued to be a threat on the bases with 20 steals. However, his counting stats take a hit (as they did last year) due to a poor supporting cast.
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After taking over as closer late last season, Hand agreed to a three-year extension that will keep him in San Diego through at least 2020. He racked up 21 saves and was one of four relievers to strike out over 100 batters.
Sleepers
OF Manuel Margot
SP Dinelson Lamet
As a rookie, Margot had his baptism by fire being installed as the opening day center fielder. He has good speed and some power, giving him 20-20 potential as he matures. He's the best leadoff man the Padres have, so those extra at-bats will help his counting stats.
Lamet, 25, racked up strikeouts in the minors (an average of 10.1 K/9 over four seasons) and even improved on that in 21 MLB starts (10.9 K/9). Command is still an issue, but there's room for growth.
Bullpen
Closer: Brad Hand
Next: Kirby Yates
Converting save chances isn't likely to be the main issue for Hand — it will be getting those opportunities in the first place. Padre’s relievers gave up 101 home runs last season, the most in the majors.
If you're looking for a deep sleeper in the bullpen, Carter Capps returned from thoracic outlet syndrome at the end of last season and could work his way into a setup role if he's fully healthy.
Position battles
The Padres could get full-time at-bats out of OFJose Pirela or 3B/OF Cory Spangenberg — or they could use one or both to fill in at different spots, depending on need. Several talented prospects could work the way up to the majors and force the issue.
As for the starting rotation, at least three of the five spots should be up for grabs this spring.
Prospects
3B Fernando Tatis Jr.
2B Luis Urias
Tatis just turned 19 in January, but the son of the former big-leaguer is already on the fast track to the majors. He hit .281/.390/.520 at Low-A Fort Wayne (Ind.) before moving up to Class AA at the end of the year.
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Urias, 20, has an outstanding command of the strike zone, posting elite on-base percentages in the minors. He was impressive in this year's Arizona Fall League, posting a .315/.443/.481 slash line and showing some unexpected pop in the Fall Stars Game.
