On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell catch up on a busy stretch a rapidly evolving Padres roster. Alex shares stories from a whirlwind travel schedule during Monster Jam events across the country — including a blizzard in Pennsylvania!

The conversation turns to San Diego’s newest pitching reinforcements, including Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, and Griffin Canning. Heath believes Buehler could be the biggest upside play, noting that a change of scenery and the Padres’ supportive pitching environment might help the two-time Tommy John survivor rediscover the form that once made him look like the next Clayton Kershaw. They also discuss new position players Ty France, Miguel Andújar, and Nick Castellanos, with Heath highlighting France as a potential “unsung hero” whose versatility and clubhouse presence could quietly make a major impact over the course of the season.

The episode also tackles bigger-picture storylines, including outside projections that have the Padres finishing fourth in the NL West. The hosts push back on those predictions, arguing that San Diego may actually be deeper and better balanced than last year’s 90-win club. With experienced additions, improved depth, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, Heath says he has a “funny feeling” the Padres could surprise people in 2026.

Chapters:

00:00 - Busy Happenings for Heath and Alex;

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