Jurickson Profar is often overlooked but is a key player for the Padres.

(Associated Press)

Even though the Dodgers are comfortable with Arráez, Machado, Tatis and Merrill, the Padres have other bats in their lineup that can wreak havoc.

Profar, an 11th-year switch-hitter who was part of the Padres’ 2022 team, had a career season as a first-time All-Star, batting .280 with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs and an OPS over .800 on both sides at the plate and moves up to No. 3 in the batting order.

Solano developed from a minor league signing into the Padres’ primary first baseman, hitting .286 in 96 games, while another midseason minor league addition, former Dodgers outfielder David Peralta, emerged as a more reliable prospect Batter hit .286 off the bench.

Bogaerts, the team’s $280 million signing two offseasons ago, had perhaps the biggest second-half turnaround, bouncing back from a miserable first half – his OPS was under .600 through July 21 – and scoring in .291 in his last 59 games.

The only Padres regular who struggled late in the year was infielder Jake Cronenworth, who hit .215 after the All-Star break. However, he still posted a team-best 31 walks during that stretch.

As for injuries, the only key player missing for the Padres is Gold Glove utility man Ha-Seong Kim, who is out the rest of the year with a shoulder injury.