In a disappointing turn for San Diego fans, the Padres' postseason dreams ended abruptly this week after a three-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The series, which wrapped up on October 2, highlighted the Padres' ongoing struggles in daylight matchups, where they managed just a handful of runs across the board. The Cubs, buoyed by stellar defense and timely hitting, punched their ticket to the NLDS for the first time since 2017. It was a bitter pill, especially after San Diego's promising regular season that saw them clinch a wild card spot with 92 wins.
Xander Bogaerts, the veteran shortstop, found himself at the center of controversy in Game 3. A disputed umpire call on a close play at second base arguably cost the Padres a crucial rally, leaving Bogaerts visibly frustrated as he trudged back to the dugout. His season stats—batting .268 with 12 homers—did little to salvage the moment, and whispers of declining range have started to circulate among analysts. Meanwhile, Manny Machado continued his reliable form at third base, going 2-for-9 in the series with a double that nearly sparked a comeback. Yet, even Machado's steady glove couldn't mask the team's offensive drought.
Fernando Tatis Jr., the electrifying outfielder, faced tough timing with a hamstring tweak sidelining him for the final game. His highlights from earlier in the year—a scorching .282 average and 24 stolen bases—faded into the background as the injury highlighted San Diego's thin margin for error. On the mound, Yu Darvish delivered a mixed bag, posting a 3.45 ERA over two starts but faltering in high-leverage spots against Chicago's aggressive lineup. Jake Arrieta, the former Cubs ace now in retirement, watched from afar as his old team evoked memories of their 2016 glory.
Padres manager Mike Shildt, in his second year at the helm, drew some quiet criticism for lineup decisions that leaned too heavily on struggling veterans. However, he defended the choices post-game, noting the youth movement's growing pains. Indeed, the loss exposes deeper issues in pitching depth and clutch hitting that plagued the club all September.
However, as the offseason looms, one can't help but wonder if these setbacks will fuel a fiercer comeback or signal a longer rebuild ahead.