Luis Campusano Saved His Padres Tenure In 2026

[Randy Holt]

Luis Campusano hasn't always had the easiest path to relevance as a member of the San Diego Padres. 

In 2024, for example, the catcher that had reached as high as third on the team's list of top prospects turned in strong offensive numbers (133 wRC+) but was essentially unplayable behind the plate (-13 Catching Runs). The following year, he was basically an afterthought, earning a meager total of 27 plate appearances with the big-league club (all of which came as either a designated or pinch hitter). 

Upon the change on the bench in the form of manager Craig Stammen in 2026, though, Campusano received what was thought of as one last chance to stick around. While Freddy Fermin was the assumed starter behind the plate, the team didn't take any real measures toward addressing the position otherwise, leaving Campusano as the backup. With the exception of a broken toe that help him out for most of May and all of June, he was able to make the most of the opportunity.

That was most apparent on the offensive side. Production in that sense can be difficult to find from behind the plate, but Campusano's final line on the season read .265/.363/.433, with a .167 ISO and a 127 wRC+. He was particularly impressive upon his return in July wherein he hit .326 with a 156 wRC+. While the batted ball luck waned down the stretch (.229 BABIP in September), he was still able to provide value in the form of a .154 ISO. 

Of course, none of that was surprising. In his last real action back in 2024, he'd demonstrated plenty of skill at the plate. The concern around whether Campusano could stick was always going to come on the strength of his growth as a catcher. As it turns out, that also manifested in a positive sense this year.

In 2024, Campusano posted that -13 Catcher Runs figure. That was the culmination of a -8 for framing, a -3 for blocking, and another -2 for throwing. The framing number put him 84th among catchers that received at least 100 pitches, 89th in blocking, and 81st in throwing among those with at least five steal attempts against. It was all quite bad. 

The 2026 iteration of Campusano, however, was one that showcased marked improvement across the board. No, he didn't leap up to a suddenly above-average status in each, but he was steady in his development across the various areas. He ultimately landed at -4 Framing Runs, -1 Blocking Runs, and +3 Throwing Runs. Yes, that's still below average in framing, but he got close to average in blocking and comfortably above that threshold in throwing. That's the kind of skill set the Padres can work with from a No. 2 catcher, especially one that provides the kind of offensive upside that Campusano possesses.

It seems like it was a season that did enough to secure him a roster spot moving forward. With Ethan Salas likely to grab the starter job for the foreseeable future, the choice of backup could very well come down to Campusano and Freddy Fermin. While Fermin has defensive skills head-and-shoulders above his counterpart, the fact that Campusano left 2026 as basically an average defender is wildly encouraging against the backdrop of his offensive skill set. The blend of the two seems like the more ideal one to keep around, and it's a testament to Campusano's improvement that there's such a strong argument to be made in his favor considering where he stood just one year ago.

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