What can Ramon Laureano bring to the Padres in 2026?

Laureano has had a long road in his career in the big leagues, dating back to his time with the Oakland Athletics, debuting in 2018.

Laureano found much of his success in Oakland from 2018 to 2023, posting an OPS of .744 and being known for his great arm and glove in his time there. After being designated for assignment by the A’s in August of 2023, he has struggled to find consistent playing time, as well as success.

Laureano found a home from the end of 2023 to the start of 2024 in Cleveland. In 2024 with Cleveland, he had a 0.0 bWAR, slashing a tough .143/.265/.229 in 31 games, which led to his release from the team in May of that year. Atlanta scooped Laureano up on a minor league deal, which is where he finished the 2024 season. In his 67 big league games with the Braves, he hit 10 home runs with 29 RBIs, hitting for an OPS+ of 128. Ending his 2024 year on a high note, the Orioles took a flyer on Laureano. Baltimore signed him to a one-year contract worth $4 million for 2025, with a club option worth $6.5 million for 2026.

As a member of the Baltimore Orioles in 2025, Laureano slugged his way onto a playoff team, with the O’s having a poor year all around. His stats as a Black Bird in 82 games were 15 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a bWAR of 3.0. Finding his footing offensively in Baltimore and with San Diego in the market for a right-handed bat that could play the outfield, these two teams seemed like a great fit for a trade to be made. On July 31, 2025, Laureano was traded to San Diego along with first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, in the middle of a postseason push.

Laureano’s 2025 year in San Diego

After coming over at the trade deadline, Laureano appeared in 50 games for the Padres, making 40 appearances in left field. As a Padre in 2025, he hit nine home runs with 30 RBIs while slashing .269/.323/.489 for an OPS+ of 122, 22% better than league average. Laureano played a vital part in the team’s success in August and September, both with his positional value and with his bat. Ramon batted 7th in the lineup in much of his time with the Padres last year. In 20 games batting in the 7th slot in 2025, Laureano had an OPS over 1.000 at 1.115, with an on-base percentage of .403. With Laureano batting towards the bottom of the order, he served as an extra length to this lineup that had trouble with depth at times throughout the season.

RAMÓN LAUREANO ROBS A GRAND SLAM ? pic.twitter.com/xmkC2E24rM

— MLB (@MLB) August 24, 2025

Ramón Laureano robbed a grand slam on Sunday, and he hits one tonight!

A 5-run 1st inning for the @Padres! pic.twitter.com/CbxqUsgaZN

— MLB (@MLB) August 27, 2025

Unfortunately for Laureano and the Padres, he suffered a right index finger fracture just before the team headed to Chicago for the Wild Card Series. With him out for the series, the Padres missed his right-handed bat in the lineup, scoring just six runs in the three-game series in which they lost.

After dealing six prospects to Baltimore for a rental bat in O’Hearn and Laureano, San Diego knew they could fill their left field spot for 2026 with Laureano’s inexpensive option.

RAMÓN ROBBERY pic.twitter.com/ytC1UtfGOL

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 11, 2025

High ceiling in 2026

In a time of ownership uncertainty and payroll restrictions, the Padres gladly picked up Laureano’s extremely team-friendly $6.5 million for the 2026 season. The outfielder from the Dominican Republic is entering his age-31 season and has his eyes on a big season for a hungry San Diego team. After tying a career high in home runs (25) and making a new career high in games played (132) and RBIs (76) a year ago, he is looking to build on that going into his first full year with this club.

Laureano is certainly a lock to be the Opening Day and everyday left fielder for this ball club, barring injury. His career OPS of .814 versus left-handers makes him a great fit in this lineup, especially with everyday guys such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Gavin Sheets, and Jake Cronenworth having their struggles against southpaws. Coming back into a clubhouse filled with many of the same faces from 2025, along with an ultra-inspired group, could help lead to another productive season from Ramon Laureano. Another great year in 2026 for Laureano could warrant a nice payday, as he would still only be 32 years old when he reached free agency next year, when his contract expires.

Angel Flores

Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a third year community college student, and will transfer to SDSU to pursue a career in Journalism.