Despite a slow start as a team, Tatis Jr., Machado, and Miller are poised for All-Star nods, showcasing the San Diego Padres' undeniable star power.
The San Diego Padres are off to a 2-4 start through the first week of the 2026 campaign, but there should be brighter days coming in the future for Padres fans. With the star talent on the roster, the Padres are sure to be competing for a postseason spot yet again by the time fall rolls around.
Speaking of stars, Bleacher Report has put out a way-too-early prediction list of the All-Star rosters for this year’s Midsummer Classic, and three Padres found their way onto the team.
Two position players, outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado, were predicted to represent San Diego in July, while closer Mason Miller is the lone Padres arm predicted to play in the All-Star game.
San Diego as a whole hasn't been playing to its best abilities just yet, and the same applies to Tatis Jr. on an individual level. The 27-year-old has just five hits in 21 at-bats, recording a modest slash line of .238/.360/.286 with a .646 OPS. For a guy with a career .866 OPS, it’s only a matter of time before Tatis Jr. finds his bat in 2026. He made the last two All-Star games, so it’s a pretty safe bet to assume he’ll be there again this summer despite his slow start.
Machado, on the other hand, has one of the few bright spots in the Padres' lineup through the first week. He holds the second-highest OPS at .785, trailing only outfielder Ramon Laureano, who has been scorching to start the year. Machado’s slash line reads .263/.417/.368. He’s looking ot make his fourth All-Star game as a Padre since joining in 2019.
On the mound, Miller has established himself as one of, if not the most feared, closing pitchers in baseball. He’s made two appearances so far for 2 ⅓ innings, striking out five batters and allowing just one hit.
Miller has not allowed a run to cross home plate since August 8th of 2025, excluding spring training. In that time, he’s made 24 appearances for the Padres and four for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. It may have cost one of baseball’s top prospects in shortstop Leo De Vries to get him, but there is zero doubt about Miller’s ability to close out a game. He’s looking to make his second All-Star appearance this season.
Outfielder Jackson Merrill and starting pitchers Nick Pivetta and Michael King are also All-Star candidates, which goes to show the star power that is present on San Diego’s roster. It’s looking like the Friars need some time to put it all together, but if they’re able to click, the Padres have a great shot at playing in October.