As the countdown to Spring Training ticks under a month, the San Diego Padres have spent much of the offseason reshaping their starting rotation. But now, attention is shifting to a position that often flies under the radar - backup catcher. And make no mistake: it’s a need the Padres can’t afford to overlook.
The Catching Conundrum: Campusano’s Uncertain Future
Right now, Freddy Fermin is locked in as the starter behind the plate - and rightfully so. Since arriving from the Royals at last summer’s trade deadline, Fermin has been a stabilizing force.
In 42 games with San Diego, he hit .244 with a pair of home runs and 14 RBI. More importantly, he quickly earned the trust of the pitching staff.
He studied his new teammates, learned their strengths, and helped them execute when it mattered. That kind of presence is invaluable.
But the depth behind Fermin? That’s where things get murky.
Luis Campusano, once considered one of the organization’s top prospects, is currently the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. And the Padres have some tough decisions to make.
Campusano is out of minor league options, meaning he either cracks the Opening Day roster or hits the waiver wire. There’s no more room for development stints in El Paso.
The challenge is, Campusano hasn’t shown enough to earn that spot outright. His minor league bat, once a calling card, hasn’t translated to the big leagues.
He went hitless in 21 at-bats last season and has struggled to establish himself defensively. While it’s too early to close the book entirely - baseball has seen its share of late bloomers - the Padres are running out of time to wait on potential.
Exploring the Market: Who Could Fit Behind Fermin?
The Padres aren’t looking to replace Fermin. They’re looking to support him - to give him breathers throughout the grind of a 162-game season without sacrificing stability behind the plate. That’s where the backup catcher becomes more than just a bench piece; he’s a strategic necessity.
Several names have been floated as potential fits, including Christian Vázquez, Reese McGuire, and Gary Sánchez. Each brings something different to the table.
- Vázquez and McGuire are glove-first catchers who know how to manage a pitching staff. They won’t light up the stat sheet, but they’ll call a smart game and keep things under control defensively.
- Sánchez, on the other hand, is the power bat option. His defense has drawn criticism over the years, but he’s still capable of changing a game with one swing - something that can be especially valuable off the bench.
None of these players are coming in to start. But any of them could give the Padres the kind of experienced depth they’re currently lacking.
What About Ethan Salas?
There’s plenty of excitement around top prospect Ethan Salas, and for good reason. But he won’t be in the mix for the backup job to start the year.
Injuries have slowed his development, and the organization is committed to giving him time to grow in the minors. Salas is a big part of the Padres’ long-term vision, but 2026 isn’t the time to rush him into a role he’s not ready for.
What Comes Next?
The Padres are expected to bring additional catching options to camp on minor league deals - a common strategy this time of year. But the market is tight, and finding the right fit has proven to be a challenge. Still, with Spring Training rapidly approaching, the front office knows it can’t head into the season with such a thin catching corps.
Expect movement soon. Whether it’s a veteran signing or a small trade, the Padres need to shore up their depth behind the plate.
Fermin is the guy, but he can’t do it alone - not over six months of baseball. And if San Diego wants to compete deep into the season, they’ll need to make sure their catching situation is as solid as the arms they’ve worked so hard to build around.