Breaking: Luis Campusano Says He Needs Change of Scenery to Jumpstart Career
The loss of free agent Kyle Higashioka to the Texas Rangers forced the San Diego Padres to move in another direction at the catcher position. Team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller took his time but brought Elias Diaz back to compete for the starting job.
One name you will not hear as an Opening Day candidate is Luis Campusano. He has been labeled a defensive liability. It has cost him an opportunity to regain his place in the lineup. Preller believes Diaz offers a better option than Campusano to returning to the postseason.
It is time for a change at the catcher position.
Friars’ biggest concern: Campusano’s defense
Since his major league call-up during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, concerns about Campusano’s defense have been a continuous theme. Sustainability has always been an issue, as his defense wanes from the first inning to the last. Not a great recipe for winning baseball.
The pitching staff was tired of his inability to call a game and frame pitches for called strikes. Often, it puts added pressure on them to be perfect. Like it or not, catching is not an easy profession, especially if the entire staff does not have confidence in your ability.
No one can argue that he has been woeful defensively over the last two seasons. Campusano has been charged with eight passed balls and threw out baserunners at a 9.9 percent rate. His defensive fielding percentage was -4.7, the worst among catchers having caught at least 500 innings.
Campusano’s defensive shortcomings made it impossible for Padres manager Mike Shildt to keep him in the lineup. He was searching for some stability at the catcher position. It became clear that Shildt needed to make a change and put Higashioka in the lineup. He was a welcome addition, both offensively and defensively.
Diaz answers an offseason need
One can make a convincing argument that Diaz adds more value to the 2025 Padres roster. On paper, his addition has brought the team what it needed: an elite defender with solid hitting credentials. Diaz brings range and athleticism to the backstop position.
He is a catcher who throws out 27.3% of baserunners attempting to steal a base. The current major league average is 23.3%. Diaz is a proven on-field leader who can guide a pitcher staff through rough spots in games before securing a victory.
More importantly, this .250 lifetime hitter has an opportunity to become a dependable run producer from the bottom of the Friars lineup. Consistent production with runners in scoring position from the seventh, eighth and ninth spot of the batting order was lacking all last season.
Preller’s patience tested in finding a trade partner
If Preller tries to move Campusano before the start of the season, he would be selling him at his lowest trade value point. Opposing GMs will not leap at the opportunity to add him to their roster because of his defensive inefficiency.
Preller must remain patient and allow Campusano to showcase his talents in spring training games. Remember, he is a lifetime .254/.297/.387 slash line with 17 HRs and 77 RBIs in 168 games across five major league seasons. Campusano can offer some pop off the bench.
He provides depth at DH and occasionally at first base. Offensively, Campusano would be given an opportunity to become a middle-of-the-order hitter. However, he must improve his production with runners in scoring position.
The trade market should become more active after the spring training schedule begins. The A’s in Sacramento, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Chicago White Sox could be in the market for another bat. Over time, one of these teams could help him rebound defensively as a catcher.
It is time for a change, as Luis Campusano needs a change of scenery. A new voice might unleash his potential and make him a welcome addition to any franchise.
