Rays could give Padres the rock solid solution they've been looking for

Coming into the 2025 season, one huge red flag on the San Diego Padres' roster was their depth at catcher. After not bringing Kyle Higashioka back, the Friars elected to begin their season with aging veterans Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado splitting time behind the plate.

Luis Campusano has not necessarily proven himself to be an MLB-ready catcher, and San Diego was forced to live with Diaz and Maldonado. Perhaps, there is room for the Padres to bring in a new catcher, one who is desperate of playing for a new team.

The Tampa Bays Rays are reportedly on their way of letting Ben Rortvedt go. While he has seen some struggles this season, Rortvedt could be the temporary solution at catcher that the Padres are looking for.

For starters, Rortvedt is familiar with the Padres' ace. Michael King pitched to Ben Rortvedt quite a number of times in 2023 when they were each with the New York Yankees, so having that level of familiarity to make the team's best pitcher most comfortable is a benefit.

Elias Diaz, who is supposed to be the better hitter of the group, is having another down year. A .621 OPS and a strikeout rate almost at 24 percent, his better days seem to be behind him. To his credit, Diaz has been solid defensively.

As for Maldonado, who is supposed to be the better defender, Rortvedt's metrics behind the dish are all better than his. At 38 years old, it might be time for the Padres to move on from him.

One glaring stat that Padres fans may worry about is Rortvedt's batting. Hitting under .100 this season, he simply is struggling against right-handed pitching. The 27-year-old is a .286 hitter against lefties, however, so perhaps San Diego can platoon him and Diaz. Diaz is a .226 hitter against righties, and .206 against lefties. Splitting time with these two catchers can be a solid solution, especially with Rortvedt just needing a change of scenery.