The San Diego Padres are entering a pivotal stretch with catcher Luis Campusano-one that could determine whether his future remains in San Diego or takes a new turn elsewhere. With Spring Training on the horizon, Campusano has a clear opportunity to prove he belongs on the Opening Day roster. The door isn’t shut, but it’s creaking, and he’ll need a standout camp to push it back open.
Right now, Freddy Fermin is expected to take over as the Padres’ primary backstop. That puts Campusano in a tough spot, especially with the front office reportedly considering options to bolster the catching depth.
There’s talk that adding another veteran to the mix might not just be about depth-it could be about locking in a more reliable backup. Either way, it’s a big few weeks ahead for Campusano, who’s fighting to hold onto his spot in a rapidly shifting roster.
Padres Offseason Buzz
The Padres’ pitching staff is also under the microscope, and the rumor mill is heating up. According to a recent report, San Diego has its eye on three notable right-handers: Lucas Giolito, Nick Martinez, and Justin Verlander.
Each brings something different to the table-Giolito with his swing-and-miss stuff, Martinez with his versatility, and Verlander, well, with his Hall of Fame pedigree. Fans were asked to weigh in on which arm they’d most like to see in the rotation, and the responses reflect just how hungry this fanbase is for a reliable frontline starter.
Meanwhile, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune highlighted the Padres’ newly announced player development and minor league coaching assignments. It’s a reminder that while the major league roster gets the headlines, the work behind the scenes is just as important-especially now, with the farm system running thin.
And speaking of that farm system, it’s no secret that A.J. Preller has been aggressive in dealing prospects to chase wins at the big-league level.
The result? A system that’s seen better days.
Right now, catcher Ethan Salas is the lone Padres prospect to crack Baseball America’s top-100 list. That’s a telling stat-and one that underscores just how important it is for the remaining young talent to develop quickly.
One bright spot? Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to earn national recognition. He landed at No. 15 on MLB Network’s “Top 100 Players Right Now” list-a nod to both his talent and his potential to be one of the league’s most dynamic players when healthy and locked in.
Around the League
Elsewhere in MLB, the New York Mets have been anything but quiet. In back-to-back days, they’ve pulled off major moves, the latest being a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
New York acquired ace Freddy Peralta and right-hander Tobias Myers, sending top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee. It’s a bold move that signals the Mets are all-in on making noise in the National League.
And they weren’t done. The Mets also added veteran reliever Luis Garcia on a one-year deal, giving their bullpen a bit more bite heading into the season.
In the Bronx, the Yankees finally got their man. Cody Bellinger, the top remaining free agent position player, agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million deal to return to New York. It’s a significant commitment, but one the Yankees clearly felt was necessary to solidify their outfield and add a left-handed bat with power and postseason experience.
Wednesday also saw a flurry of introductions as several big names found new homes. Kyle Tucker was officially introduced as a Los Angeles Dodger, Bo Bichette as a New York Met, and Ranger Suarez as a Boston Red Sox. Each move shifts the balance of power just a bit more as teams gear up for what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive 2026 season.
The Red Sox also made a smaller move, acquiring minor league catcher Nate Baez from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for infielder Tristan Gray-a depth move, but one that could pay dividends depending on how Baez develops.
Out west, the Angels brought back infielder Yoan Moncada on a one-year deal. It’s a low-risk signing that could provide some upside if Moncada can rediscover his rhythm at the plate.
Lastly, MLB released the game times for both the World Baseball Classic and Spring Breakout events. It’s another signal that baseball is creeping back into full swing-and fans won’t have to wait much longer to see their teams take the field.
Bottom Line
For the Padres, the next few weeks are about clarity-figuring out who’s part of the plan and who’s not. From Luis Campusano’s uncertain future to the potential addition of a veteran starter, San Diego’s front office has some key decisions to make.
And with a top-heavy roster and a thin farm system, there’s little room for error. Spring Training can’t come soon enough.