Freddy Fermin's Job Isn't All That Secure Ahead of Padres' Postseason Run

[Randy Holt]

Among the many notable developments to transpire for the San Diego Padres in 2026, one of the more satisfying ones to watch unfold has been the long-term stability established behind the plate. While catcher has been a spot with plenty of turnover for the Friars in recent years, their current roster sports three that could merit consideration on a possible playoff roster: Freddy Fermin, Luis Campusano, and Ethan Salas. 

Fermin has been the starter throughout the season. He's logged timed behind the dish in 93 games to Campusano's 54, Rodolfo Durán's 37, and Salas' seven (along with a pair of appearances from Blake Hunt). While Campusano was on the shelf with a broken toe, it was Fermin that held down the fort, even in the face of some severe offensive struggles. 

It's those offensive struggles, however, that could call into question his standing as the team's starter should the team reach the postseason. 

Fermin isn't known as a terribly effective offensive catcher. Even by his modest standards, though, the 2026 season has been tough for him. He's slashed only .194/.268/.304 (63 wRC+) and has struck out at a career-high 21.2 percent clip. Even just when it looked like he was gaining traction with improvement in July (97 wRC+) and August (93 wRC+), he's cratered once again in September (58 wRC+ and a strikeout rate north of 30 percent). 

Nevertheless, Fermin has continued to provide value for the Padres on the strength of his defense. His Fielding Run Value of +9 ranks sixth among qualifying catchers, sitting above average in framing (+3 Framing Runs), blocking (+10 Blocks Above Average), and in his control of the opposing run game (+6 CS Above Average). However, with the steady improvement of Campusano and abrupt emergence of the 20-year-old Salas, could his gig be in peril at the highest leverage point in the calendar? 

Last week, our Steve Drumwright examined the possibility of Salas specifically usurping the job ahead of playoff time. Therein, Steve noted the fact that Salas has caught starters but hadn't been in games to catch the team's high-velocity relievers. Is there a world in which Fermin loses his starting job but holds onto a role as a late-inning guy to handle the likes of Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon? There's plenty of logic in it when you consider the need to maximize offense. 

Either of Campusano (September struggles notwithstanding) and Salas (lack of experience notwithstanding) represent significantly higher upside players on offense. Campusano's defense is closer to average, while Salas has always graded positively from the defensive side as a prospect. The downgrade on the less glamorous side may not be significant enough to justify punting one of the team's spots in the lineups (by starting Fermin).

As such, it's entirely possible that the team adopts the type of gameplan noted in Steve's piece with not only Salas, but possibly with Campusano. Either may also find some plate appearances out of the designated hitter spot. Either way, a three-catcher situation seems increasingly feasible with Fermin facing a very possible reality that relegates him to late-inning duty as his bat continues to slump.

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