San Diego Padres: Team Adds Minor League Depth, Signs Romak

The San Diego Padres added depth to their young minor league system on Saturday by signing utility outfielder Jamie Romak.

The San Diego Padres are not wasting any time this offseason. After a roller coaster of an October, A.J. Preller is ready to roll up his sleeves and get busy this winter.

What is expected to be a flurry of moves this offseason is already underway as of Saturday, as the team signed a career minor league outfielder to add depth and experience. Jamie Romak, a 31-year-old, has played just 27 career games in the major leagues, but should provide versatility for San Diego’s AA or AAA club.

Romak has had quite a lengthy journey, far from a smooth ride. Originally drafted in the 2003 amateur draft by the Atlanta Braves, the Canadian was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed by the Kansas City Royals, and purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals, all before he ever stepped on to a major league field.

In 2013, Romak was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he would eventually compete at the major league level. In 2015, he once again became a free agent and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he had his longest and most successful stretch of major league baseball.

More from Friars on Base

• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal

Last season, Romak elected to play in Japan, an effort to re-establish himself as a viable option for a major league team after the Diamondbacks released him. After a rough season overseas, the journeyman has found himself with another opportunity, signing a minor league contract with the Padres.

With a career .167 batting average, it does not seem likely that the latest San Diego addition will ever make a significant impact for the Padres. In fact, the odds are against him that he even makes a major league appearance this time around. This is why according to CBS Sports, Romak was signed only to add depth to the organization.

Next: Could Solarte be on the Move?

Players like these are needed, as irrelevant as they may seem. For the Padres, it is important to build up depth to take pressure off of some of the young talent they have. Injuries can not be avoided, so a deep minor league system with players that have experience is one step towards contending.