The San Diego Padres are not only aiming to secure some of Major League Baseball’s most prominent free agents this offseason, but they are also actively seeking to bolster their roster by addressing a key positional need: catcher. While the team’s ambitions on the free-agent market have garnered significant attention, their search for stability behind the plate has become a central storyline as they plan for the future.
One of the factors driving this search is the uncertain status of Kyle Higashioka, who is now a free agent after the conclusion of the 2024 season. Higashioka’s departure creates a void in the catching depth chart, and while there is still a possibility the Padres could negotiate a reunion, the team appears hesitant to rely solely on Luis Campusano as their everyday catcher. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Campusano’s future in San Diego is far from guaranteed, and the Padres may even explore trading him as part of their offseason plans.
“San Diego will be in the market for a catcher this offseason with Kyle Higashioka hitting free agency, though a reunion isn’t out of the question,” Feinsand noted in a recent article. “That said, the Padres seem reluctant to entrust the position to Campusano, who was once one of the organization’s top three prospects. He appeared to be on the verge of breaking out in 2023, putting up strong numbers with a .847 OPS, 7 home runs, and 30 RBIs over 174 plate appearances. However, his performance took a step back in 2024, as he slashed .227/.281/.361 with 8 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a .642 OPS in 299 plate appearances. Given these struggles, he could benefit from a change of scenery, though he remains under team control through the 2028 season.
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Campusano’s decline in performance over the past year has raised questions about his readiness to take on a full-time role at the major league level. His regression in 2024 followed a promising 2023 campaign in which he demonstrated both power and potential at the plate. Unfortunately, that momentum did not carry over, as his offensive struggles became apparent early in the season. May and June were particularly challenging months for Campusano, and his difficulties were compounded by a left thumb contusion that landed him on the injured list on June 22. The injury not only sidelined him for a critical stretch but also opened the door for Higashioka to step up as the team’s primary catcher.
When Campusano returned, he found himself in a diminished role, leading to his eventual demotion to Triple-A El Paso on September 11. Padres manager Mike Shildt explained the decision, emphasizing the need for Campusano to receive consistent playing time to continue his development. “We just looked up and realized that Campy wasn’t getting as much time,” Shildt said at the time. “He’s still a younger player who has grown tremendously, especially behind the plate and in his overall preparation. But we decided it was best for him and the team to go down and get regular reps.”
In Triple-A, Campusano appeared to regain some of his confidence and form. Over eight games with El Paso, he posted an impressive .371/.405/.514 slash line, with one home run and seven RBIs. This performance demonstrated his ability to make adjustments and showcased the potential that once made him one of the organization’s most promising prospects. Despite these encouraging signs, questions remain about whether he can translate that success back to the major league level, where the competition is far more demanding.
Currently, Campusano is participating in the Dominican Winter League, a move aimed at helping him refine his skills and rebuild his offensive consistency. The Padres view this opportunity as a chance for the young catcher to iron out the issues that plagued him in 2024 and position himself for a potential bounce-back season in 2025.
At 26 years old, Campusano remains an intriguing player with significant upside. His blend of power and defensive skills makes him a valuable asset, but the inconsistency he has displayed over the past two seasons has cast doubt on his ability to become a long-term solution for the Padres behind the plate. In 2024, he appeared in 91 major league games, posting a .227/.281/.361 slash line—a noticeable drop from his performance the previous year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Campusano is determined to reclaim his role as the team’s primary catcher. However, his future in San Diego may hinge on the team’s ability to find the right balance between developing his potential and addressing their immediate needs. If the Padres opt to bring back Higashioka or sign another experienced catcher, Campusano could find himself in a backup role or potentially included in a trade package.
As the offseason unfolds, the Padres’ pursuit of a catcher will remain a key storyline, with significant implications for both their short- and long-term plans. Whether Campusano can reestablish himself as a cornerstone of the team’s future or becomes a trade chip to address other needs, his journey will be one to watch as San Diego navigates a pivotal offseason.
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