3 bold Robbie Ray predictions after Padres trade

1. Robbie Ray finishes with at least 15 wins

Ray has already put together an outstanding season, but joining a Padres team that’s suddenly playing its best baseball could help him pile up more victories.

San Diego’s offense has finally come alive behind Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Ty France. Ray was a part of a very good offense in San Francisco; they just could not pile up wins unless Ray was on the bump. The situation won’t be much different outside the fact that SD is contending.

With roughly eight to 10 starts remaining, expecting Ray to win at least five more games is aggressive but realistic. Doing so would give him at least 15 victories, tying the career high he established back in 2017 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2. Ray finishes with an ERA below 3.00

This would be one of the most impressive accomplishments of Ray’s career. He currently owns a 3.08 ERA and has finished below the 3.00 mark only twice, in 2017 and during his Cy Young-winning 2021 campaign with the Blue Jays.

Pitching meaningful games for a contender could bring out the best in the veteran left-hander. Petco Park has also been one of baseball’s most pitcher-friendly environments for years, making it an ideal home for the season’s final two months.

If Ray continues pitching at his current level, shaving a few more runs off that ERA is certainly within reach.

3. Ray starts Game 1 of the Wild Card Series

This is the boldest prediction of all three. Michael King has Padres’ playoff experience, and Casey Mize gives San Diego another quality option. But don’t be surprised if Ray pitches so well over the final two months that manager Craig Stammen hands him the ball for Game 1 of a Wild Card Series. Veteran experience matters in October, and Ray has already proven he can thrive under pressure.

Of course, the Padres have to get there first. They’re currently just one game behind the Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot, making every remaining start critical.

If Ray delivers the way San Diego believes he can, he won’t just justify the trade. He could become the starting pitcher who carries the Padres back to postseason baseball.