The Padres have added a bit more muscle to their bench, officially signing outfielder Miguel Andújar to a one-year, $4 million deal. It’s a move that doesn’t scream blockbuster, but it’s the kind of depth signing that could quietly matter over the course of a long season-especially for a team entering a bit of a reset.
With Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Ramón Laureano penciled in as the starting outfield trio, Andújar gives San Diego a reliable fourth option. He brings big-league experience, positional flexibility, and a bat that-when hot-can still do some damage.
In a year where the Padres are navigating life after losing key pieces to free agency, every roster spot counts. And this one?
It’s already shaking things up in a way that might not be obvious at first glance.
Andújar’s Arrival Tightens the Catcher Picture
Here’s where things get interesting: the Padres had been toying with the idea of carrying three catchers into the season. That plan now looks a lot less likely with Andújar taking up a valuable roster spot. And the ripple effect is real.
Freddy Fermin, acquired at last year’s trade deadline in exchange for Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert, is locked in as the starting catcher. His numbers with the Padres-.244/.278/.339 over 42 games-don’t jump off the page, but they represent a step forward at a position that’s been a revolving door of underperformance in recent seasons.
That leaves one backup spot up for grabs, and it’s shaping up to be a spring training battle between Luis Campusano and Blake Hunt.
Campusano has the edge in experience, having seen major league action and posting a career slash line of .240/.294/.372 with an 85 OPS+. While those numbers are modest, his plate discipline stands out. In 2025, he posted an impressive 22% walk rate-a sign that he’s seeing the ball well and willing to grind out at-bats.
Hunt, meanwhile, is still waiting on his big-league debut. He’s shown promise in the minors, but without major league reps, he enters camp as the underdog. That said, the Padres have shown a willingness to give young players opportunities, especially in a year where development and flexibility are going to be key.
A Roster Spot That Carries Weight
So while Andújar’s signing might look like a standard depth move, it’s already had a domino effect on the roster. The Padres are trying to strike a balance between fielding a competitive team and giving their younger players a chance to grow. Every decision-from a $4 million bench bat to who backs up behind the plate-feeds into that bigger picture.
The catching situation is now one to watch. Campusano has the inside track, but Hunt will get his shot. And with Andújar now in the mix, the margin for error just got a little thinner.