SAN DIEGO — In the home clubhouse at Petco Park, the atmosphere was electric as plastic sheets surrounded the lockers, and tubs overflowing with beer and champagne were rolled in. A rousing speech from the manager ignited the room, and it erupted in a joyful cacophony of laughter and shouts, with celebration beverages flying in every direction. The team took pictures together, sang, and embraced in pure elation. Once the festivities wrapped up, they spilled onto the field to share this triumphant moment with their families.
This celebration is monumental; such moments have been few and far between in the Padres’ history. Achieving this milestone is one thing, but making it a lasting tradition is an entirely different challenge.
Yet here they stand again: the Padres are heading to the playoffs. With a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Brewers in 11 innings on Monday night at Petco Park, San Diego clinched its place in the postseason for the second consecutive year. This remarkable feat marks the first time the Padres have achieved back-to-back playoff appearances since the 2005-2006 season.
“It’s incredibly special,” declared star third baseman Manny Machado. “Absolutely, it’s special.”
Manager Mike Shildt emphasized the significance, stating, “We’re just at the beginning of what I believe is the best era of Padres baseball.”
This season undeniably affirms that belief. The Padres have now reached the postseason four times in the past six years, solidifying their status as perennial contenders and establishing themselves as one of the National League’s powerhouse teams.
Now, they set their sights on that elusive next step: pursuing the first World Series title in franchise history. With Step 1 accomplished, the excitement builds.
“We feel like we have a team that can win it all,” said general manager A.J. Preller. “It all starts by getting in, and we’ve done that.”
Thanks to the depth of talent that Preller assembled and expertly strengthened during the Trade Deadline, the Padres are feeling confident about their chances. Monday’s triumphant clincher only underscored the importance of the strategic moves made at the Deadline.
Newcomer Freddy Fermin stepped up to deliver a game-winning walk-off single in the 11th inning—the first time in franchise history the Padres clinched their playoff spot with a walk-off hit. The team surged out of the dugout to mob Fermin just beyond the infield, while another sellout crowd at Petco Park erupted in celebration.
“That moment—it’s unforgettable,” Fermin said afterward in the clubhouse, dodging celebratory showers from Luis Arraez and Adrian Morejon. “I made the swing that pushed my team into the postseason.”
Fermin’s arrival came on a whirlwind Deadline day when Preller executed six trades involving 22 players, tackling nearly every issue the team faced. The lineup gained remarkable depth with the additions of Fermin, Ramón Laureano, and Ryan O’Hearn. Meanwhile, an already formidable bullpen transformed into one of the most fearsome in recent memory with the acquisition of Mason Miller—creating a dynamic relief corps that possesses the ability to thrive in October.
