By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published November 12, 2025 — 12:46 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

The Padres made one of the most overlooked but impactful trades of the 2025 deadline, moving two MLB-ready pitchers to acquire catcher Freddy Fermín from Kansas City. It wasn’t flashy—but it was strategic. San Diego finally has a catching plan that blends veteran leadership, offensive upside, and developmental depth for 2026.

⚾ The 2025 Deadline Deal That Redefined the Position

At the 2025 trade deadline, A.J. Preller gave up two controllable arms to get Fermín—a statement move that catching stability mattered more than mid-rotation insurance. Inside the organization, coaches praised Fermín’s ability to handle elite pitching and keep the staff composed. By season’s end, it was clear: he wasn’t a stop-gap. He was the Padres’ new everyday backstop.

2025 line: .251 AVG | 5 HR | 26 RBI | .636 OPS
Strengths: Framing, game-calling, veteran calm behind the plate.

💪 Campusano’s Redemption Arc

Nobody has more to prove than Luis Campusano.
Once viewed as the franchise’s long-term catcher, he now slides into a hybrid role—serving as backup catcher, part-time DH, and occasional first baseman. The Padres still value his bat, but they want consistency on defense and durability across 162 games.

His MiLB résumé speaks for itself: .336 AVG | 25 HR | 95 RBI in his best season with El Paso. If he hits like that in the majors, he’ll force his way into the lineup—catching or not.

🔒 Durán: The Insurance Policy

Rodolfo Durán isn’t a prospect—he’s a professional.
At 27, he’s the type of Triple-A veteran every contender needs. In 2025 with El Paso, he hit .288 AVG | 16 HR | 73 RBI | .847 OPS. He’ll open 2026 in Triple-A as the emergency catcher, ready for an instant call-up if Fermín or Campusano lands on the IL. Durán’s power and experience give San Diego internal depth without another trade or free-agent gamble.

🌟 Salas: The Future in Waiting

At just 19, Ethan Salas remains the organization’s crown jewel. Ranked the No. 2 Padres prospect and a top-100 MLB talent, he’ll begin 2026 in Triple-A El Paso alongside Durán. After missing time with a back injury in 2025, this year is about development and rhythm—not rushing to Petco Park.

Salas’s presence in Triple-A ensures the Padres’ catching pipeline remains healthy for years to come.

📋 Projected Catching Depth Chart – 2026

Role Player Assignment Starting Catcher Freddy Fermín MLB – Everyday Starter Backup / DH / 1B Flex Luis Campusano MLB – Rotating Role Emergency Catcher Rodolfo Durán Triple-A El Paso Future Starter Ethan Salas Triple-A El Paso

🔍 Why This Works

• Stability: Fermín gives the staff a reliable defensive anchor.
• Versatility: Campusano’s hybrid role keeps his bat active while preserving depth.
• Security: Durán’s readiness eliminates the need for outside veterans.
• Future: Salas gets full developmental time before taking over the position long-term.

🗣 Final Take

The Padres finally found balance behind the plate.
By giving up pitching to secure a leader, they built a structure that blends experience, offense, and future upside—something the franchise hasn’t had since the early 2000s.
If Fermín performs as expected and Campusano delivers with the bat, San Diego’s catching corps might quietly become one of the most complete units in the National League.

Follow @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse for more Padres insights and 2026 roster breakdowns.