Switch-hitting outfielder Yonathan Perlaza is making noise early in spring camp and could be a candidate to break out in 2025 for the Padres. 

In looking over the San Diego Padres roster it is easy to be dissatisfied with the offense.

The additions of Gavin Sheets, Jason Heyward, Yuli Gurriel, and Connor Joe strengthen the overall roster, but each veteran player may be past their prime in the league. Sheets brings a slight amount of upside as he is still young enough to breakout, but the other three players are solid bets to keep producing at their average rate. And that is nothing to write home to Mom about.

Joe and Heyward are locks to make the roster, while Gurriel will likely need to show something this spring. Sheets was signed to a minor league deal and will also need to impress in Peoria to earn a major league roster spot. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to the construction of the Padres.

Another offensive player to keep tabs on is Yonathan Perlaza.

The switch-hitting outfielder played in the KBO last season and put up a respectable .850 OPS in 122 games and 455 at-bats.

The 26-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Padres this winter and was invited to spring camp with the major leaguers. Perlaza came from the Cubs organization, where he played from 2015 to 2023. The young Venezuelan signed at the age of 16 and produced solid offensive numbers while in the organization. Perlaza started his career as an infielder but eventually moved to the outfield.

Perlaza never reached the majors with the Cubs, climbing all the way to Triple-A in 2023. That season, he recorded 23 homers, stole 13 bases, and put up a .922 OPS in 121 games and 461 at-bats. It is unclear why the Chicago allowed him to leave for Korea, but that is just what he did as he stood on the doorsteps of the major leagues.

With Triple-A experience and international experience under his belt, Perlaza is virtually major league ready.

The switch hitter is a bit of a free swinger, but he also does walk a lot. Getting on base is most important, and Perlaza has done that successfully throughout his baseball career.

Last season in the KBO, he struck out 129 times and walked 63 times. His .364 OBP was productive in Korea as he shows an excellent eye at the plate. Perlaza struck out 119 times in 2023 in the States while in Triple-A. He recorded 76 walks in that time, producing a .389 OBP for the Iowa Cubs. That is pretty impressive.

There is a lot to like about his plate discipline and power potential. Last season, he put up a 105 mph exit velocity as the fastball hitter terrorized the KBO. Spin will be an issue for Perlaza, as he put up a pedestrian .660 OPS last season against breaking pitches. If he can recognize spin out of the hand, Perlaza is highly capable of being a real weapon for the Padres.

Yonathan Perlaza is a better hitter from the left side, or at least that is what he has shown throughout his career. He is still productive as a right-handed hitter, and that in itself brings value to the Padres. His switch-hitting skill is an excellent weapon off the bench for San Diego.

Mike Shildt will easily find a roster spot for Perlaza if he plays well this spring. Honestly, there is potential for him to be the everyday starter in left.

For the Padres to reach the promised land, they are going to need surprise. Players who play over their heads and put up career years. They will need to find diamonds in the rough. Perlaza has that sparkle to him, and you get a feeling that all he needs is an opportunity.

Here is a video of Perlaza just a few days ago taking some swings in Peoria.

Los aguiluchos Yonathan Perlaza e Ethan Salas en el #SpringTraining de los Padres de San Diego #Águilas ? pic.twitter.com/fi54H2eMHx

— Águilas del Zulia (@aguilasdelzulia) February 18, 2025

You cannot teach that sound off the bat. Either you have it, or you don’t.

Even though Perlaza is not a huge man (He is listed as 5-foot-9), his bat speed is solid. The power is not a fluke. He will hit the ball out of the park.

The Padres need offensive ability at the end of the lineup. There is no lock in left field or the DH position. Veterans are in camp competing for spots in the lineup and a chance to make the opening-day roster. But nothing is guaranteed.

Jonathan Perlaza will get an opportunity to play. If he can catch lightning in a bottle, the Padres may have a steal on their hands.

At the very least, he provides depth for a team that lacks offensive weapons. If sent to El Paso, you know the slugging outfielder would put up ungodly numbers in the PCL. There is a chance he never sees a minor league game in 2025. The potential is there. It is just a matter of putting it all together.

Keep tabs on Yonathan Perlaza this spring, as he could easily be a fan favorite.

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.