Friars On Base
Fansided

3 Padres players who should have a reduced role in 2025, if they're not traded first

These 3 Padres players should be at risk of losing playing time in 2025

ByTim Smart|
Jul 23, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
3 of 4

The Padres need to find a solution behind the plate until Ethan Salas is ready

Like with Vasquez, it'll probably be difficult for the Padres to move on from catcher Luis Campusano. The righty was originally drafted in 2017 and he looked really good in the low minors, earning his way to the top-3 of a stacked Padres' farm system.

But while Campusano's future once looked bright, he hasn't found a way to put it all together at the highest level. Campusano looked solid in limited at-bats in 2023 but he fell apart last year, hitting a paltry .227/.281/.361in 91 games.

The advanced metrics all agree that Campusano's defense is rough. His blocking and framing metrics all took a nosedive in 2024 and while there were initially high hopes for him and his ability to improve enough behind the plate and stick there throughout his career, we now have multiple years of major league data that suggests otherwise.

FanGraphs' Steamer projections suggest that Campusano could see some drastic improvements in 2025. He does possess good plate discipline and he had some rough luck on batted balls last year, and it looks like the projections are trying to split the difference between his poor 2024 and his effective 2023.

That could be the case, and Padres fans certainly hope it will be. This team needs a strong backstop for at least another year, as top prospect Ethan Salas likely won't be ready to make his major league debut until 2026 at the earliest. Brett Sullivan is currently listed as the backup, but he's been bad at the plate in limited time in the majors. His performance in Triple-A last year gives us a little hope that he can turn it around.

Outside of Sullivan, the Padres do have Brandon Valenzuela in Triple-A, though he was awful after his promotion to El Paso in 2024. There aren't a ton of good options in free agency, and a James McCann signing or an Elias Diaz reunion likely wouldn't have much of an impact. But Campusano is running out of time to prove that he belongs on the roster. Another month or two of struggles at the plate should cause Preller to seriously consider what Campusano's future looks like in San Diego.

Home/Padres Rumors

Schedule