Related videos:
The San Diego Padres secured their postseason ticket for 2025 early Tuesday morning, and they will do so with a Cuban touch on their roster: the left-handed pitcher Adrián Morejón, who has just had a spectacular season, and the versatile infielder José “Candelita” Iglesias, a key player both on and off the field.
The Cuban duo in San Diego
At just 26 years old, Morejón has been one of the most consistent relievers in the entire league, to the point of breaking a historic record for Cuban pitching in Grandes Ligas. His ability to dominate key innings makes him an essential part of the Padres' bullpen as October approaches.
For her part, Candelita Iglesias has brought her usual defensive versatility and the charisma that distinguishes her, blending baseball and music. Her most recent single, “Nadie Sabe Na”, has already become an anthem within the San Diego clubhouse, just as it did in 2024 with the New York Mets and the song “OMG”.
Parents: an ambitious project
The California franchise, which boasts renowned figures such as Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, Luis Arráez, and a top-tier pitching staff, has made significant investments in recent years to remain competitive. With the fifth highest budget in MLB, the goal is clear: to transition from being a “competitive” team to a true “championship” team.
It is the second consecutive playoff qualification, something San Diego hadn't achieved since 2005 and 2006. However, the challenge is to overcome recent ghosts: in the 2024 NLDS, they managed to put the Dodgers on the ropes with a 2-1 series lead, but they were shut out in the following two games and exited without glory.
The challenge of October
Now, with a bullpen strengthened by Morejón and the extra energy provided by Iglesias, the Padres will aim to transform their label as a competitive team into that of a serious title contender. The offense will be key, as run production has been the Achilles' heel in recent series.
The truth is that with Cuban talent in their roster, the Padres head into October with a renewed spirit and the hope that 2025 will be the year they finally make the leap to the championship.
Frequently Asked Questions about the San Diego Padres' 2025 Postseason Qualification
What role do Cuban players play in the Padres' qualification for the 2025 postseason?
Adrián Morejón and José Iglesias are key to the San Diego Padres' qualification for the 2025 postseason. Morejón has been one of the most consistent relievers, breaking historical records for Cuban pitching, while Iglesias brings his defensive versatility and charisma, in addition to being an inspiring figure in the clubhouse.
How has Adrián Morejón's season been in 2025?
The 2025 season for Adrián Morejón has been spectacular, becoming the Cuban reliever with the most wins in a single MLB season, achieving 13 victories. His exceptional performance places him among the best relievers in the league, with an earned run average of 2.05 and a opponent batting average of .180.
What is José Iglesias's impact on the San Diego Padres beyond the field?
José Iglesias also stands out in music, having released his single "Nadie Sabe Na," which has become an anthem for the team. His ability to blend baseball and music makes him a charismatic and influential figure in the clubhouse, bringing positive energy and motivation to his teammates.
What challenges do the Padres face in the 2025 postseason?
The San Diego Padres are facing the challenge of transforming their status from a competitive team into a real title contender. While they have strengthened their bullpen with players like Morejón and Iglesias, they need to improve their run production, which has been their Achilles' heel in recent series, in order to aim for the championship.
Filed under: