In 2015, as part of a major roster overhaul by the front office, a high-profile three-team trade involving Tampa Bay and Washington brought Wil Myers to Southern California. Coming with the title of American League Rookie of the Year, he showcased a smooth right-handed swing and an athletic build, signaling potential as a franchise cornerstone. Over the following eight summers, his time beneath the palm trees became one of the most intriguing, complex, and versatile periods in recent club history, characterized by long stretches of inconsistent performance mixed with moments of outstanding brilliance.
His initial introduction to the local fan base was significantly impeded by physical ailments, as severe wrist injuries restricted his debut season to merely 60 games. The definitive, healthy breakthrough occurred during the 2016 calendar year, facilitated by a permanent transition to first base. Myers transformed run production into a consistent daily routine, recording 155 hits, 29 doubles, and a career-high 28 home runs while driving in 94 runs. This outstanding performance earned him his first career All-Star selection, inspiring great local enthusiasm as he became the prominent face of the franchise during the hosting of the Midsummer Classic at Petco Park. He sustained this momentum the following summer, managing a slight decrease in contact efficiency to achieve a career-best 30 home runs and steal 20 bases during the 2017 season.
Yet, sustaining that frontline trajectory proved maddeningly elusive. Over the next two schedules, Myers was thrust into a highly volatile defensive carousel, shuffling between first base, third base, left field, and center field as managers desperately sought to maximize his athletic tools. That persistent positional fluidity frequently disrupted his timing at the plate, resulting in high strikeout volume and a noticeable drop in overall efficiency.
In 2020, Myers excelled under manager Jayce Tingler, settling in right field, playing superb defense, and hitting well. Over 55 games, he posted a .288 average, 15 homers, and 40 RBIs. His stats included a .606 slugging and a .950 OPS, helping the Padres reach the postseason for the first time in 14 years. He finished 16th in NL MVP voting.
Over his last two summers in San Diego, his production declined due to knee and finger injuries that slowed his bat speed. After a key role in the team’s 2022 NLCS run, he left Southern California that winter to sign with the Cincinnati Reds, ending his multi-era residency.
Myers had 134 Home Runs and 771 Hits with the team.
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