THE APEX TIMES
A new MLB.com feature ranks the top Padres performer tied to each uniform number ever worn, spotlighting franchise legends, playoff heroes, and standout single-season moments.
The San Diego Padres have had a long line of players wear a wide range of jersey numbers, and MLB’s Padres beat has now put a “best by number” list on the table, spanning from 0 (and 00) through 33. The project’s central question is straightforward: for each number associated with the franchise, which player has been the best fit historically?
In the low digits, Samad Taylor is listed as the top No. 0 choice, with Jack Clark ranked first for No. 00 after his 1990 season that included a.266 batting average on-base power and a National League-leading 104 walks. Ozzie Smith is the pick at No. 1, Alan Wiggins at No. 2, and Khalil Greene at No. 4. Wil Myers gets the No. 4 nod based on his most productive Padres years, Kevin Kouzmanoff is chosen at No. 5, and Steve Garvey headlines No. 6.
The feature leans hard into major franchise icons in the heart of the lineup. Tony Gwynn is identified as the clear top No. 19 choice, Ken Caminiti is No. 21, Benito Santiago gets No. 9, and Yu Darvish is ranked at No. 11 based on his postseason role with San Diego. Chase Headley is listed for No. 7, Mark Loretta for No. 8, and Manny Machado is the top No. 13 player.
Further back in the list, the top No. 10 pick is Gary Sheffield. Steve Finley is ranked at No. 12, Steve Garvey’s franchise note at No. 6 is paired with catcher-focused choices at No. 16 (Terry Kennedy) and No. 15 (Bruce Bochy, both as a catcher and later as manager). Nate Colbert is No. 17, Gene Tenace is No. 18, and Jerry Turner is No. 20.
The final portion of the numbering range keeps the emphasis on standout Padres contributions. Fernando Tatis Jr. is listed at No. 23, Brian Giles is chosen at No. 24, Will Venable is No. 25, and Kevin Brown is the top No. 27 after his 1998 season described as the best in franchise history. Ruppert Jones is No. 28, Fred McGriff is No. 29, Ryan Klesko is No. 30, Dave Winfield is No. 31, Chris Young is No. 32, and James Shields is ranked at No. 33.
This list is an all-time franchise honor, not an active roster projection. It also does not aim to be comprehensive in the “best season at that number” sense across every era, since multiple players at the same jersey number appear in the article’s comparisons before the feature makes its final selection for each number. Still, it provides a clean, number-by-number framework for how the franchise’s legacy is remembered.