San Diego Padres: Arcia Released, Team Determined to Improve Outfield

The San Diego Padres cleared some minor league space this week, releasing previously designated outfielder Oswaldo Arcia.

The San Diego Padres are committed to improving their roster in any possible way. Often times, this actually means getting younger.

This week, the team parted ways with outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, clearing up minor league space.

The move comes after the organization designated Arcia for assignment last week when they made roster adjustments due to the Rule 5 Draft deadline. While the 25-year-old was the only player receiving a demotion who embraced his assignment, his minor league stint didn’t last long.

In 2016, Arcia played just 14 games in San Diego. His .116 average was disappointing, but many thought he was promising due to his power.

While clearly not much more than a fourth or fifth outfielder, the move comes as a slight surprise to some fans. With the Minnesota Twins, Arcia had several productive seasons at the plate. In 2014, he even hit twenty home runs.

Clearly, Arcia’s power didn’t translate too well to the National League. Struggling in the Miami Marlins organization, as well as with the Padres, the left-handed power hitter is now back to square one.

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In some ways, the move is encouraging, as it further provides evidence that A.J. Preller and the organization are committed to draining unneeded contracts and improving at the major league level. With the team’s exciting youth, Arcia only got in the way. Even as a replacement, there was no need to keep a defensive liability and strikeout prone bat on the bench or in the minors.

Outfield depth is a case against making this move, but not a sufficient one. After all, the team will probably at least explore an extension with Jon Jay. They also have exciting young players in Manuel Margot, Hunter Renfroe, and Alex Dickerson.

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Most of all, the organization trusts these players. This is an encouraging sight, as it shows that they are dedicated to improving this young core, and have no intentions of another major roster overhaul.