Manager’s Confidence in Campusano
Manager Craig Stammen has consistently communicated his vision for Luis Campusano as the San Diego Padres’ second catcher. He has praised Campusano for his hard work and achievements in Triple-A last season. During a media scrum on Friday morning, Stammen even commented on Campusano’s new haircut, emphasizing his confidence in the player’s abilities.
Campusano’s Challenging Journey
Campusano’s career has been anything but smooth. After debuting with the Padres in 2020 at the age of 21, he had his most active season in 2024, playing 91 games with a .227/.281/.361 batting line and a -0.7 fWAR, indicating subpar defensive skills. Despite hitting eight home runs and driving in 40 runs, his struggles behind the plate led then-manager Mike Shildt to bench him, as he had zero catching appearances in 2025.
Support from Stammen
Stammen, who once played with Campusano during his time in the Padres bullpen, has continually voiced his faith in the young catcher since taking on his managerial role. He has assured that Campusano will have ample opportunity to establish himself as a viable major league player.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
The acquisition of Freddy Fermin during the trade deadline hinted that he would become the main catcher for the team moving forward. Fermin, who had been a backup for Salvador Perez before joining the Padres, played 39 of 52 games after his arrival, showcasing his superior offensive skills compared to veterans Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado.
Spring Training Plans
Stammen mentioned that to prevent Fermin from being overworked, Campusano, if positioned as No. 2, will need to catch frequently. “To start the season well, they may not have equal playing time, but Campusano will get significant game time,” he stated. Other catchers like Blake Hunt and Rodolfo Duran are also vying for roles during spring training, adding competition for the backup position.
Versatility Among Catchers
Stammen is against the idea of assigning specific catchers to particular pitchers, believing every catcher should be able to work with all pitchers. He acknowledged that unforeseen circumstances, like injuries, could necessitate catchers to adapt quickly.
A Fresh Opportunity for Campusano
Despite catching a no-hitter in 2024, Campusano’s inconsistency behind the plate has hindered his trust with managers. However, with Stammen’s leadership and new catching coach Kevin Plawecki, Campusano now has a fresh chance to prove himself. He must focus solely on catching, as he faces the pressure of limited options should he fail to secure the backup role. Additionally, with the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system this major league season, Campusano’s experience in the minors will be crucial as he navigates this new challenge.
