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One standout detail for the Padres is their relatively small number of protected players. Traditionally, teams need to make tough decisions about which prospects to protect from the Rule Five Draft. However, the Padres have only 33 players on their 40-man roster, leaving them with seven open spots. This situation highlights a concerning trend: the club may lack confidence in the talent available at the top of its farm system. The 33 protected players mark a unique case, as most teams struggle with tight rosters filled with questionable talent.