With pitchers and catchers set to report Tuesday, we’re providing an overview of each area of the Padres’ roster. Today, the outfield:

2016 recap

The Padres shed arguably their two most burdensome contracts in July, shipping right fielder Matt Kemp to Atlanta and left/center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. to Toronto. Their departures opened playing time for center fielder Travis Jankowski and left fielder Alex Dickerson, both of whom proved capable as rookies. Although he missed nine weeks with a forearm fracture, veteran center fielder Jon Jay was a positive influence on and off the field. He opted to sign with the Chicago Cubs over a return to San Diego. Rule 5 selection Jabari Blash struggled in limited playing time. By late September, the future of the Padres’ outfield looked bright. Center fielder Manuel Margot and right fielder Hunter Renfroe made favorable first impressions; Margot displayed his enviable, all-around skill set, and Renfroe boomed four home runs, including one that reached the roof of Petco Park’s Western Metal building.

Current picture

Renfroe won the Pacific Coast League MVP award after hitting 30 homers for Triple-A El Paso last season. Now, the Padres’ first-round pick from 2013 will try to live up to his pedigree as the team’s starting right fielder. Scouts have concerns about his ability to make consistent contact, but as he showed in September, Renfroe can do considerable damage with one swing. In center, Margot is a fellow Rookie of the Year candidate and a favorite of many talent evaluators. The Padres may opt to start the 22-year-old in Triple-A, but it seems more likely that he and Jankowski will both open the season with the team. Jankowski may not be the hitter Margot is, but he holds a slight edge in speed and defense, which is saying something. It should help that Margot and Jankowski can play any of the three outfield positions, and Padres manager Andy Green has said there should be plenty of playing time to go around. Dickerson is limited to left field as a defender, but his power potential from the left side offers a different look. Non-roster invitees include Blash, Rafael Ortega, Collin Cowgill and Nick Buss.


On the farm

Franchy Cordero, who’s undergone a successful transition from shortstop to center field, and corner outfielder Nick Torres are expected to be fixtures in El Paso’s lineup this season. At Double-A San Antonio, center fielder Michael Gettys will put four plus tools on display while seeking to quell concerns about his ability to hit for average. The Padres signed some intriguing outfielders as part of their record-setting international class, including Jorge Ona, Tirso Ornelas and Jeisson Rosario.

Potential moves

With considerable amounts of youth and club control in this area, the Padres don’t have glaring reasons to move any of their outfielders. That said, General Manager A.J. Preller won’t avoid dealing if he feels he can acquire more upside. Jankowski is one player who has drawn interest, though he won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2019.

Padres Videos × On Now Padres pitcher Chris Paddack on start vs. Mariners and possibility of making rotation On Now Meet the Padres: Ian Kinsler 5:18 On Now Catching up with Padres OF Franmil Reyes 5:18 On Now Meet The Padres: Greg Garcia 5:11 On Now Catching up with Padres reliever Craig Stammen 5:33 On Now Meet the Padres: Logan Allen 6:23 On Now Meet The Padres: Manny Machado 9:08 On Now Meet The Padres: Chris Paddack 5:08 On Now Three things that stood out from Machado's first day with the Padres 1:53 On Now Padres manager Andy Green on Machado joining his roster