Padres’ catcher situation could get messy fast without one smart signing

Before the 2025 trade deadline, we couldn’t say enough about how the Padres needed to upgrade their catching room, as the position provided nothing at the plate, with only average at best defense to back it up.

Manned by Elías Díaz and Martín Maldonado, the two combined for a 63 wRC+, which is 37% worse than the league average hitter. President of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, knew this and made a trade to fix the issue.

In exchange for a pair of pitchers in Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, the Padres acquired Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals.

Padres should consider signing Jonah Heim to keep the catcher room from spiraling

In his time thus far in San Diego, Fermin has slashed .244/.278/.339 with a .617 OPS. These numbers may seem mediocre, which they are, but they are a significant upgrade from what the team had before the trade.

However, the Padres aren’t going to be able to slide Fermin at catcher for 162 games, and we don’t think the team would willingly want to throw Luis Campusano behind the dish. So it may be time for the team to at least consider signing one of the catchers still available on the market.

There is one in particular we have in mind.

Heim saw a down year in 2025, only batting .213. But keep in mind that Globe Life Field, where he plays, is one of the hardest parks to hit in. A change of scenery, and who knows, he may be right back to his old form, which is a Gold Glove and All-Star level player.

Plus, hitting in a lineup full of superstars like the Padres have could seriously benefit him. Developing new plate approaches while feeling less pressure at the plate could go along way.

It would be a win-win for both sides, and all that is needed is for Preller to give Heim the offer.