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Built for October, Padres plan on World Series return after 28 years

Following a brutal 23-3 defeat against the Chicago Cubs back on July 1 at Wrigley Field where Dansby Swanson hit three home runs and drove in eight runs, the San Diego Padres completely reversed their trajectory to claim the top wild-card spot by winning 17 of their last 20 games. Now holding a 91-71 record heading into the postseason for the third straight year, San Diego will host a wild-card rematch against Chicago at Petco Park, aiming for their first World Series title since previous appearances in 1984 and 1998.

Bolstered by a dominant relief corps featuring Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, and Bradgley Rodriguez, the Padres are leaning on their bullpen strength to carry them past past postseason heartbreaks, such as their 2024 division series exit against the Los Angeles Dodgers and last year's sweep by the Cubs. As Cubs manager Craig Counsell prepares his squad to face San Diego's pitching weapons, Padres ace Michael King prepares to take the mound for Game 1 opposite opposing starter Matthew Boyd.

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