Padres adding much needed depth with Connor Joe signing

The Padres and first baseman/outfielder Connor Joe are reportedly in agreement on a deal, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. The 32-year-old San Diego native spent the 2024 season with the Pirates, where he put up a .228/.320/.368 line over 123 games. Joe will provide much needed depth at both first base and the outfield for San Diego.

Attending Poway High School and playing baseball at the University of San Diego after that, Joe will be returning to his hometown after agreeing to a free agent deal. A career platoon guy who puts up slightly below average numbers at the plate, Joe does give the Padres another option to fill a depleted roster.

Looking for a Jurickson Profar replacement, Joe could be a temporary solution. Having spent considerable time in left field as a member of the Giants, Rockies, and Pirates during his five year MLB career, Joe will certainly garner some attention from the Padres staff.

His experience and ability at first base is also a plus for San Diego. Looking to either keep Luis Arraez in a designated hitter role or trade him away, Joe provides much needed first base depth besides the already busy Jake Cronenworth.

A below average hitter, Joe will most likely slot into an all around utility role, much like what is projected for recent additions Mike Brosseau and Niko Goodrum. Any chance at an everyday starting role will have to start by improving on a below average .688 OPS produced in 2024.

Joe was non-tenured by the Pirates after his struggles at the plate, letting him avoid the waivers. Passing up on a projected $3.2 million salary for 2025 to avoid arbitration, Pittsburgh let Joe walk. Looking to keep payroll low, Joe is a good fit for the Padres on both the financial side and the baseball side.