The San Diego Padres signed catcher Elias Díaz to a minor league contract on Monday. After a lengthy period of struggle, the Colorado Rockies released Díaz just over a week ago. The veteran had drawn interest from various teams in the league, but was reportedly looking for an opportunity that would earn him playing time.

Padres sign catcher Elias Diaz @DanielAlvarezEE on it

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) 27 August 2024

In 84 games this year, Díaz hit .270/.315/.378 (89 OPS+) with five home runs and 18 doubles. It was a disappointing follow-up to his breakout 2023, especially at hitter’s paradise Coors Field. Still, San Diego could use more depth at the catcher position.

San Diego Padres sign Elias Diaz

Kyle Higashioka has earned the starting job behind the plate thanks to his outstanding season. Known as a defensive backstop for the New York Yankees, Higashioka has found his strength in San Diego. His 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and 118 OPS+ are career highs.

Kyle Higashioka has done everything that was asked of him for this team and more

A damn good takeover

pic.twitter.com/zyCG3NQa4c

— Padres Nation (@NationPadres) 24 August 2024

Despite his success, some decline is to be expected. Higashioka doesn’t have good exit velocities and his strikeout and walk rates are among the worst in the league. Higashioka doesn’t really need to be a great offensive force for San Diego to make the playoffs, but his success this season has certainly helped.

Perhaps the main reason the Padres decided to sign Díaz is the struggles of Luis Campusano. The former top prospect hit just .231/.274/.373 (81 OPS+) and has done just as poorly with the glove. Among backstops with at least 100 innings behind the plate this season, Campusano ranks second to last with -10 Defensive Runs Saved.

Elias Diaz has caught more steals this season than Luis Campusano has in his entire career. https://t.co/xtoxLsWhtE

— Padres Data Daily (@PadresDataDaily) 27 August 2024

For comparison, Díaz ranks 13th with 5 DRS, while Higashioka is league average with zero DRS. However, Campusano is the youngest of the trio and has the most potential. The 25-year-old was ranked third on San Diego’s top prospect list in 2022. This year, MLB Pipeline listed him as the 44th best prospect in Major League Baseball.

Díaz’s role at San Diego

However, the Padres signed Díaz to help the team now, not in the future. San Diego’s front office is under tremendous pressure to make the postseason this year, and Díaz will help the Padres achieve that goal better than Campusano.

The 33-year-old will likely report to the club’s Triple-A affiliate for a few days to get back into shape. Díaz should then replace Campusano in the lineup if San Diego promotes him to the majors. Still, it will be interesting to see if the team has three backstops in September or demotes Campusano.

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