Padres need to finish offseason extension with steal of the trade deadline

Coming into the 2025 season, Ramon Laureano wasn't necessarily famous for his offensive abilities. He had a promising start to his career, but the now 31-year-old never quite turned out to be an All-Star. That is until he became a San Diego Padre, of course.

Traded from the Orioles to the Padres at the deadline, Laureano was already enjoying a resurgent campaign in Baltimore, but since his arrival to Petco Park, he's been unquestionably one of the best players in the National League. Laureano has a 2026 club option worth $6.5 million. Picking up that deal is a no-brainer for AJ Preller and his front office staff. He's been clutch. He's been flashy. He's been consistent. It's time to start thinking about giving him an extension to man left field for a few more years.

Ramon Laureano needs to stay with Padres on a long-term deal

In 38 games with San Diego, Laureano has done more than just prove himself. As the Friars aim for a postseason berth, he has been central to the team's success over the last month-and-a-half. He boasts an .896 OPS with 16 extra-base hits over this span, all while exhibiting elite defensive metrics.

Think about an every day outfield of Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ramon Laureano for the next few years. That would be an area the Friars do not need to worry about as they can look to bolster other roster needs, like in the starting rotation.

His overall numbers in 2025 are suggesting that this is the most productive campaign of his eight-year MLB career. He is one home run shy of tying the most in his career (24). He's already logged his most RBIs in a season (71), as well as his highest bWAR (3.9). He's clearly entering a new-found prime, so it would be smart for the Padres to lock him in for a few more seasons. He'd complete what could very well be the best outfield in baseball.