The Padres are in a familiar spot as the July 31 trade deadline approaches—right in the thick of the playoff hunt, right on the edge of the luxury tax, and once again shopping the market for a solution behind the plate. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, San Diego is actively seeking a catching upgrade, and they’re doing it under tight financial and roster constraints.
The problem? Catching help is in very short supply this year. And even if it weren’t, the Padres are running low on both spending power and prospect capital to make a splash.
Current Padres Catching Duo Isn’t Cutting It
San Diego’s current tandem—Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado—hasn’t delivered what the team needs. Combined, they’re hitting a paltry .205/.268/.328 with a 70 wRC+, ranking them 27th among MLB catching groups. It’s not just below average—it’s near the bottom of the league.
Maldonado, in particular, is offering little more than veteran presence and defensive reputation, while Díaz hasn’t come close to replicating his All-Star form from 2023. If the Padres want to contend in the final two months of the season, it’s clear they need more offense behind the plate. But finding it? That’s another story.
The Trade Market is Bare Bones
The issue is that the teams who have good catchers to offer don’t seem ready to deal them. The White Sox, Marlins, and Rockies have young, controllable catchers (Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, Agustin Ramirez, Hunter Goodman), but none of those players are likely available in-season. The A’s reportedly won’t move Shea Langeliers, and Atlanta’s not putting Sean Murphy back on the block—even with Rookie Drake Baldwin having a breakout debut season.
There are a few “maybe if…” scenarios. If the Orioles choose to sell, Gary Sánchez—a pending free agent—is an obvious rental target and a familiar face for the Padres. But that’s an if. The Reds, Twins, and Rangers all have catchers under control through 2026, and none seem poised to part with them unless things spiral quickly in July.
Then there’s Joey Bart in Pittsburgh—once a breakout candidate, now a question mark. He’s young and affordable, but his inconsistency and health issues make him more of a flyer than a solution.
What About Luis Campusano?
Here’s where it gets even more complicated: Luis Campusano, once the Padres’ prized catching prospect, has been tearing up Triple-A (.315/.432/.613), yet hasn’t been given a chance at the big-league level this year. His big-league struggles—both defensively and at the plate—have soured the team’s confidence in him, despite his elite offensive performance in the minors.
The fact that Campusano isn’t in the majors right now, despite the struggles of Díaz and Maldonado, tells you just how far he’s fallen in the Padres’ long-term plans. And that makes him a prime candidate for a change of scenery. If the Padres are going to get a catcher, especially a younger or controllable one, don’t be surprised if Campusano is part of the return package heading out.
Balancing Needs and Budget
The Padres’ front office is also juggling more than just the catcher situation. The corner outfield spots remain a concern—Jason Heyward and Connor Joe are no longer on the roster—and Michael King is sidelined while Yu Darvish still hasn’t returned. That means rotation help is also on the shopping list.
But with a payroll pushing $263 million and already in the second tier of the luxury tax, every dollar spent at the deadline comes with a 30% penalty. Translation? This front office will have to get creative.
Don’t rule out a multi-player deal that involves moving Campusano and adding a cost-controlled bat behind the plate—ideally someone with team control beyond 2025. But don’t expect a blockbuster either. The Padres may not have the firepower to land a true headliner, especially with their thinned-out farm system.
Padres Are In a Bind
The Padres desperately need more production at catcher, but the market is shallow, their budget is tight, and internal options like Campusano seem to be on the outs. Still, if anyone knows how to wheel and deal in these conditions, it’s A.J. Preller.
Keep an eye on Gary Sánchez if the Orioles sell. Watch for Campusano’s name to surface in rumors. And expect the Padres to try something—even if it’s not headline-grabbing—because standing pat simply isn’t an option.
