The San Diego Padres need to add an outfielder this winter and the most obvious solution is staring them right in the face.

The Missouri native’s resume screams future Hall-of-Famer. This offseason’s dynamics may scream him joining the San Diego Padres before the winter is said and done. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson predicted that the eight-time All-Star will sign with the Padres, saying this (h/t The Sporting News’ Tom Carothers):

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 25: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates his walk-off solo home run in the ninth inning with Tim Leiper #33 against the New York Mets August 25, 2024 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

"It's been two seasons since the Padres signed Manny Machado to an 11-year, $350 million extension, and the early returns aren't what you would call encouraging," Rymer wrote. "As