In a move aimed at bolstering their roster as they push towards the postseason, the San Diego Padres have signed catcher Elias Díaz to a minor league deal, according to Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. This decision follows Díaz’s release from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month, a surprising turn of events given his impressive performance just a year ago.
Díaz, who was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2023, had a stellar season last year with 14 home runs and a .725 OPS. However, his 2024 campaign with the Rockies has been markedly less successful. Over the course of 84 games this season, Díaz’s OPS+ fell to 89, 11% below the league average. His performance in the final 22 games of the season was particularly concerning, as he hit just .169 with no home runs and a dismal .431 OPS.
Despite these struggles, Díaz’s past accolades and experience make him a valuable asset for teams in need of depth at the catcher position. His signing by the Padres represents a potential upside play for San Diego, which is looking to make a strong push in the playoffs.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Díaz is still guaranteed the entirety of his $6 million salary from the Rockies, which means the Padres will only need to pay him the prorated league minimum of $740,000 if he is called up to the major leagues. This arrangement allows the Padres to bring in a player with proven ability without taking on significant additional payroll.
Díaz’s addition to the Padres could have implications for the current catching situation in San Diego. Luis Campusano, who has struggled this season with a negative bWAR and an 81 OPS+, has been the primary catcher. However, his performance has not met expectations, and Kyle Higashioka has emerged as the starting catcher, likely to handle the bulk of the postseason games.
One of the key reasons for the Padres’ interest in Díaz is his defensive prowess. While Díaz’s offensive numbers have been underwhelming this season, he remains a strong defensive catcher, a trait that could be highly beneficial for the Padres as they navigate the pressures of postseason play.
Díaz’s presence could provide a defensive upgrade over Campusano, particularly in high-stakes situations where solid game management and pitch framing are crucial. If Díaz can regain some of his form from last season, he could prove to be a valuable asset off the bench or as a strategic defensive replacement during critical games.
As the Padres aim for a deep postseason run, Díaz’s minor league deal offers them flexibility and potential without a significant financial commitment. If he is able to contribute positively in his time with San Diego, his signing could be viewed as a shrewd move that helped solidify the team’s catching depth at a pivotal moment in the season.
Díaz is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, which adds an element of urgency for him to perform well in San Diego. For the Padres, the move represents an opportunity to enhance their roster with a player who has demonstrated significant talent in the past, potentially tipping the scales in their favor during the playoffs.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Díaz integrates into the Padres’ system and whether he can rekindle the form that earned him All-Star honors just a year ago.