San Diego Padres: Top Five Jerseys to Get This Christmas
Going Christmas shopping this weekend? Have a San Diego Padres fan on your list? Baseball fans love jerseys, but getting the right jersey is crucial.
The San Diego Padres have moved beyond the initial stages of a lengthy rebuilding process, and there is a lot of excitement surrounding the organization.
With new jerseys released last month, fans who do not abhor the changes may include a new jersey to their wish list.
If they aren’t specific as to which player’s jersey they want, what do you do? You would hate to ask them, because that would be a dead giveaway. You want to surprise them with shiny new Padres gear, but don’t have the slightest idea whose jersey is best to purchase.
If this is you, don’t worry. We have your jersey guide right here. These five players’ jerseys we have ranked would be the best and most secure options to purchase this Christmas.
Sep 22, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Christian Friedrich (53) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
5. Christian Friedrich
Position: Left-handed starting pitcher
Number: 53
Age: 29
Contract: Signed through 2020, arbitration eligible 2017
Christian Friedrich is not the most well known player for the Padres. But somehow, if the team doesn’t re-sign Tyson Ross, Clayton Richard, or Edwin Jackson, the 29-year-old may end up as the Opening Day starter.
For those who love pitching, Friedrich’s jersey is the best option. As the most stable starter, fans will not need to worry much about this jersey becoming irrelevant in the near future. Also, since Friedrich is a rare left-handed starter, his value is too important.
Fans will likely see a lot of Friedrich on the mound in 2017. For the Padres fan on your list who wants to be a step ahead, his jersey is the way to go.
Sep 28, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Austin Hedges (R) congratulates right fielder Hunter Renfroe (71) after Renfroe scored during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
4. Hunter Renfroe
Position: Outfielder
Number: 71
Age: 24
Contract: Signed through 2020
Hunter Renfroe is quite possibly the most exciting young player on the roster. Winning the National League Player of the Week award in his first full week in the majors. Not many across baseball will see him coming, but all Padres fans certainly know that Renfroe is poised to burst onto the scene.
His power was on display in late September, as was his defense and knack for driving in runs. For these reasons, there is no way the organization’s third ranked prospect is going anywhere anytime soon.
From a small town called Crystal Springs in Mississippi, Renfroe was drafted in the 31st round. His unlikely story and warm personality makes him a very easy player to root for.
And to fans who pay close attention, they would certainly like to wear the most stylish jerseys of the up and coming players which makes the future look bright.
Sep 28, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Manuel Margot (70) and third baseman Yangervis Solarte (26) are congratulated after scoring during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
3. Manny Margot
Position: Outfielder
Number: 70
Age: 22
Contract: Under team control through 2022, but arbitration eligible 2018-2021
Manuel Margot is one of San Diego’s exciting young players. As a flashy outfielder with blazing speed, wearing his jersey will give the person on your list a little bounce in their step.
Of course, he isn’t locked into a long term deal just yet. But the chances Margot remains with the club for a very long time are extremely high. As one of their young core players, it would be a shock if an even unpredictable General Manager in A.J. Preller made a move.
Margot will be a very good major league player this year. Among Padres’ fans, this jersey makes a statement that the person wearing it is feeling optimistic about the team’s future. If the person on your list is, it is one of your best options.
Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A fan holds up a Tony Gwynn jersey before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2. Throwback
How about a throwback? If someone on your list has been a Padres nut for decades, they will not complain about any of these options.
They probably already have a Tony Gwynn jersey, but if not, there are plenty available.
If not, other options include Dave Winfield, Ken Caminiti, and Trevor Hoffman.
Especially if you get a mustard and brown jersey, these are all good options. For long time fans who remember when these players wore these uniforms, they won’t mind that you didn’t go with a current player.
Just be sure that they do not already have the jersey you are planning on buying for them. If they don’t, and especially if they have many others, you are sure to be one of their favorite relatives after giving them this gift.
Sep 23, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Wil Myers (4) is congratulated by center fielder Jon Jay (R) after hitting a first inning three run home run against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
1. Wil Myers
Position: First Baseman
Number: 4
Age: 26
Contract: Under team control through 2020, arbitration eligible 2017
Currently, Wil Myers is the face of the franchise. Hitting cleanup in the National League’s lineup during 2016’s All-Star game at Petco Park, Myers is well known around baseball.
Coming off of a down year in which the former Tampa Bay Ray hit only .259, expectations are slightly lower. But he is undoubtedly still one of the team’s top hitters and run producers, and will hit either third or fourth in the lineup in 2017.
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And every day player hitting in the middle of the lineup is rarely a bad option for a jersey purchase. Myers is an especially solid choice though, due to the combination of youth and experience which makes him both reliable and young enough to be around for a while.
Plus, if the person on your list is not so confident about the future, a jersey like Myers is your best bet if searching for a current player.
In the end, Myers is the best player on the team. Since he also seems to have a secure future in San Diego, and still has a lot of upside, his jersey is the jersey to get for the Padres fans on your list. A Myers road jersey can be found here, and a new home jersey here.
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