Oscar Gonzalez and Yonathan Perlaza an option in LF for Padres

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In looking for outfield help in left field for the Padres, Yonathan Perlaza and Oscar Gonzalez are players to monitor in 2025. Both men were signed to minor league deals this winter and could be a factor. 

The San Diego Padres need a left fielder for the 2025 season.

As the winter moves forward, it is becoming painfully obvious the Padres will not retain Jurickson Profar. The switch-hitter enjoyed a career year in 2024 but signed late in the winter for only $1 million. The Padres know the veteran wants to be paid, and he deserves it. Early indications are that Profar is seeking three years and around the $40 million mark. That is just too much for the Padres.

On the current major league squad, Brandon Lockridge and Tirso Ornelas are on the 40-man roster. Eguy Rosario and Tyler Wade are also on the 40-man, and each infielder can play left field. However, the Padres are arguably looking for an everyday option, not someone they can plug into the position.

Two names to factor in are outfielders Oscar Gonzalez and Yonathan Perlaza.

Both men were signed to minor league deals this month, and each 26-year-old brings an intriguing future.

Gonzalez comes to the Padres via the Yankees, but most will remember his days with the Guardians. In 2022, as a rookie, Gonzalez put up a .789 OPS in 91 games for Cleveland. The outfielder produced 2.1 WAR and hit .296 on the season. In 2023, his numbers fell off dramatically as Gonzalez struggled to a .551 OPS and only played 54 games for the Guardians.

Last winter, the Yankees claimed the outfielder off waivers, and he spent the entire 2024 season at the Triple-A level (.802 OPS in 72 games). The native of the Dominican Republic has plus power and stands 6-foot-4 and 240 lbs. At 26, there should be plenty left in the tank. Gonzalez is a free swinger who does not walk much, but with a bit of guidance, there is potential.

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Perlaza was a former top prospect in the Cubs organization and played in the KBO last season. The native of Venezuela is small in stature, standing 5-foot-9 at the plate. The switch-hitter may be short, but he has plus power (91 career homers). He has no major league experience but is on the verge of service time. It’s only a matter of time.

Last season in Korea, Perlaza put up a .850 OPS and slugged 24 homers in 455 at-bats and 122 games. In his last two seasons with the Cubs (2022 and 2023), Perlaza hit 23 homers at the Double-A and Triple-A level. At 26, Perlaza is also capable of breaking out with the Padres. He shows a great eye at the plate and will take a walk (career .352 OBP). There is a lot to like about his ability with the bat.

The Padres will explore all angles this winter to fill the roster.

With a payroll already at the top end of the league, the additions the team makes will be thoughtful and under the radar.

If the team has to go into the season with no substantial signing in left field, then expect Gonzalez and Perlaza to factor in to some degree. With an outstanding spring, it is not out of the realm of possibilities for either man to take the job and run with it. The Padres will be competitive, no matter how you slice it. The 2025 season will be exciting as some young players will have a chance to emerge and establish themselves in the league.

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