Padres’ Luis Campusano is earning a bigger share of postseason at-bats

The Padres have spent years waiting for Luis Campusano’s bat to translate at the major league level. Well, after 67 games in 2026, it might be safe to say it’s here. If they reach October, Campusano deserves more opportunities than the occasional start. Through Sept. 18, Campusano is slashing .267/.362/.446 with eight home runs and an .808 OPS across 232 plate appearances. Though he's mired in a bit of slump, he has hit the same number of homers in 2024 while coming to the plate 299 times. He has been one of the most productive hitters on this roster when the Padres have allowed him to play.

It’s difficult to ignore when we compare him with Freddy Fermin. Fermin entered Sept. 18 batting .197/.272/.309 with a .581 OPS. Granted, he’s earned the pitching staff’s trust. He also brings postseason experience and real value behind the plate. All of that belongs in the calculation. But it can’t become an exemption from offensive production. Postseason games are way too volatile for the Padres to voluntarily hand away two or three at-bats.

Luis Campusano is giving the Padres the offense they have been missing

Campusano has also started chipping away at the easiest argument for keeping him behind Fermin. Against the Yankees on Sept. 4, he threw out three attempted basestealers before launching a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning. 

Manager Craig Stammen has praised the ownership Campusano now shows behind the plate. We’ve seen stronger defense, improved confidence and better control of the game. He may never have Fermin’s defensive reputation, but the Padres no longer have to choose between a dangerous bat and chaos behind the plate.

So what should the postseason arrangement look like?

Campusano should still get his share of the starts, but Ethan Salas has made the catching picture a lot more interesting. The Padres called up the 20-year-old to help with the playoff push, and his two-homer night in Colorado showed why. Suddenly, carrying three catchers in October doesn’t feel so far-fetched.

That arrangement would give Craig Stammen room to be aggressive. Fermin could catch the pitchers who work best with him. Campusano could start behind the plate or at DH. And Salas could supply a left-handed bat while providing insurance if San Diego pinch-hits for its starting catcher.

However, a three-catcher plan only earns its roster space if San Diego actually uses the flexibility. Salas cannot be a ceremonial addition, and Campusano shouldn’t lose at-bats for it. Campusano’s established production and Salas’ left-handed upside could all serve a purpose.

Salas has only 21 major league at-bats, so two home runs at Coors Field do not settle his postseason role. They just put him in the conversation. The Padres now have another variable to evaluate, and potentially another way to keep Campusano’s bat involved without compromising their catching depth.

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