Catching options dwindling for Padres this winter
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Padres are shopping to fill many holes in the roster, and the catcher position is one of them.Â
The San Diego Padres are looking for help at the catcher position.
In Dallas this week, A.J. Preller indicated that the team is surely exploring all options when it comes to catchers.
He also indicated that the team made a fair offer to Kyle Higashioka, and the Padres also contacted several of the other catchers who have signed in the last few weeks.
AJ Preller says Padres have been “in on pretty much all the catchers that have signed so far.”
He mentions Campusano/Sullivan, but adds: “It’s probably an area though over the course of the next couple of weeks that we still look to supplement either trade or free agency wise.” pic.twitter.com/1tATzEjbrL
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) December 9, 2024
The clock is ticking, and the Padres may just need to stand pat with Luis Campusano and Brett Sullivan.
However, there are rumors that the Padres are shopping Luis Campusanor. The former top prospect did not make the playoff roster and is currently playing in the Dominican in the winter leagues. It is clear that the Padres have soured on his future with the team.
In looking over the free agent list, there is little left to choose.
The Padres may need to be creative in the trade market.
Let’s explore both options briefly.
Free Agent Options
At 36, his best baseball is clearly behind him. The former Padres catcher recorded a .704 OPS last season for the Pirates in 72 games. The switch hitter made $2.5 million last year and would require little money to secure. He is, sadly, the best option in the free agent pool.
Diaz spent time with the Padres last season and did not impress. The Padres failed to give him any at-bats in the playoffs, and it appears his playing days are gone. The right-handed hitter will likely need a minor-league deal to continue his career possibly.
Over the years, this veteran has hit some big homers against the Padres, but the 37-year-old has nothing left in the tank. Gomes put up a .421 OPS last year and will likely retire this winter.
McCann has spent time in four different organizations in his 11-year career. The right-handed hitter put up a .667 OPS last season in 214 at-bats with the Orioles. McCann is not a household name, but he could be serviceable. The 34-year-old will likely not be a costly addition.
Trade Options
The Cardinals seem to be taking offers on their players, and Contreras could be had for the right price. The offensive catcher is coming off two productive years with the Cardinals, putting up a .826 and a .848 OPS. Contreras is due $18 million next season and $36.5 for the next two seasons after that. That will be tough for the Padres to absorb. San Diego may be interested, but the team isn’t in a position to add a payroll of this kind.
The A’s possess a valuable catcher in this right-handed hitter. He slugged 29 homers last year and would be a huge addition for the Padres. Langeliers is not due for free agency until after the 2028 season. He is cheap and producing. The problem is Oakland isn’t exactly looking to move their core players. The Padres could pay the asking price, but it will surely be painful for San Diego. Preller has a magical wand, but it would likely be impossible to acquire this young catcher without parting ways with Leodalis De Vries or Ethan Salas.
The Pirates have three viable catchers and claim they will head into camp with a catching trio. Joey Bart figures to start for the team, but Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez are young players with upside. Davis played outfield last year, as the Pirates had plenty of catchers on the roster. The right-handed hitter is 25 and a former first-round pick. The Padres would have to pay a hefty price tag, but San Diego does have multiple arms that are major-league-ready, and that may be enough.
This portly catcher is 25 and out of Tijuana. The right-handed hitter swings a great bat, but has some physical limitations as Kirk is a large man, If the Padres can get Kirk into the best shape of his life, he could be a very valuable player. He generally makes contact and has shown a great eye at the plate. The Padres could entice the Jays with some young arms. It shouldn’t take much to wrestle this backstop from Toronto.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.