Catcher Luis Campusano has been in the San Diego Padres system long enough to be out of options. He has to make the roster out of Spring Training if he wants to remain in San Diego. Each of the past two managers, Bob Melvin and Mike Shildt, seem to have soured on Campusano during their time with the Padres. Under new manager Craig Stammen, Campusano gets his best opportunity to succeed at the MLB level. The question is simply, Will he take advantage of the opportunity, or will he be put on waivers for all of MLB to claim? Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball says she is hoping Campusano takes his last best chance and runs with it.
Padres News:
- Freddy Fermin came to the Padres at the 2025 deadline. He had to learn the pitching staff on the fly as the team engaged in a pennant and postseason race in the final weeks of the season. Fermin enters the 2026 season as the top backstop on the Padres roster and has had all of season to work with and get to know his pitchers. Hopes are high for Fermin and what he can do in his first full season as a starting catcher at the big-league level.
- Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that most of the San Diego roster is in camp. The first weeks are critical to build chemistry between teammates before the players competing in the World Baseball Classic must leave to report to their respective countries for the tournament.
- The top three spots in the San Diego rotation are set with personnel, but when they are deployed is completely unknown to anyone but Stammen at this point. The ability to mix and match Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove will be key in keeping arms healthy and getting players rest as the season progresses. Randy Vasquez is expected to take the No.4 spot, but the fifth and final spot in the rotation is wide open.
Baseball News:
- Zac Gallen will return to Arizona and re-join the Diamondbacks after signing a one-year contract with his former team Tuesday. Gallen will make $22.025 million for the 2026 season.
- The Toronto Blues Jays and the Houston Astros lined up on a trade that sent Jesus Sanchez to the Astros and Joey Loperfido.
- The Milwaukee Brewers and infielder Luis Rengifo agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.