Former Yankee and Guardian Oscar Gonzalez may play a factor in the outfield position for the San Diego Padres in 2025. 

The San Diego Padres need offense in 2025.

In order to make the playoffs, the bottom of the lineup must contribute to the Padres.

Right now, Connor Joe, Jason Heyward, Yuli Gurriel, and Gavin Sheets are expected to possibly contribute at two positions (left field and designated hitter).

It is possible this group will emerge and play well in the coming season, but there is certainly risk involved. Heyward and Gurriel are in the last stages of their career. Although a local product and a great guy, Joe isn’t exactly a household name when it comes to offense. Then there is Sheets, who is still relatively young but never really reached potential.

The Padres are made up of several players who may emerge in 2025.

We talked about Yonathan Perlaza this week, an exciting player who may be the best of all the names mentioned before.

Another young outfielder worth monitoring is Oscar Gonzalez.

The right-handed hitter played in 145 major league games in two seasons and is only 26.

The Padres signed Gonzalez in the winter after he spent last season in the Yankees organization. In early November 2024, Gonzalez elected for free agency and left New York. A few weeks later, the Padres signed him to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training. His 2024 season was spent in the minors, where he put up a .821 OPS in 83 games and 306 at-bats for the Yankees.

His bat has potential, and he owns a career .721 OPS in 535 career at-bats in the majors.

In 2022, Gonzalez had a terrific rookie season for the Guardians, where hit batted .296 with a .789 OPS in 91 games. He put up a 2.1 WAR and slugged 11 homers. At the age of 24, he looked like a future star in the league. His numbers fell off in 2023 as he struggled out the gate, refusing to walk and be selective at the plate. Cleveland sent him to Triple-A, where he spent most of the 2023 season.

The Yankees selected Gonzalez off waivers after the 2023 season, and he toiled in the minor leagues last season. There is no doubt that Gonzalez is motivated. He had a great shot at being a major leaguer but was ushered out of the system while still developing. His plate discipline is an issue as he just doesn’t walk much but has always recorded a solid batting average everywhere he plays.

On a minor league deal and with options, Gonzalez may find himself in El Paso to start the season. Playing in the PCL will only boost his numbers and confidence with the bat. Expect huge numbers if he is left in the minors, and in time, he may force the Padres hand into giving him a look.

At 6-foot-4 and 240 lbs., Gonzalez is a physical specimen. At one time, he played centerfield in the minors. He is now a corner outfielder and has played some first base. It will be interesting to see if the Padres utilize him at first base this spring. He may be a decent option against a left-handed pitcher, giving Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth a day off. Interestingly, Gonzalez has worse numbers against southpaws throughout his major league career.

There is potential here. A hot spring may force the Padres to consider a roster spot for this young Dominican slugger.

Only time will tell. Jobs will be lost and earned this spring for the last few roster spots.

Keep an eye on Oscar Gonzalez.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the 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.