By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published December 23, 2025 — 3:00 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

The San Diego Padres have signed catcher Blake Hunt to a minor league contract, adding experienced depth behind the plate. The signing was completed on December 16 and brings Hunt back to the organization that originally drafted him.

Player Information

• Name: Blake Evan Hunt
• Position: Catcher
• Bats / Throws: Right / Right
• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 215 pounds
• Date of Birth: November 10, 1998
• Hometown: Costa Mesa, California

Drafted and Developed by San Diego

Hunt was selected by the Padres in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. At the time, he was viewed as a high-upside defensive catcher with advanced receiving skills and a strong throwing arm for a high school player.

He spent his early professional seasons developing within the Padres’ minor league system before being traded as part of the deal that sent Blake Snell to San Diego in December 2020.

Professional Career Overview

Following the trade, Hunt continued his development across multiple organizations, spending time primarily at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. His career path has included stops with Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Baltimore, where he consistently served as organizational catching depth.

Although he has yet to appear in a Major League game, Hunt has remained on big-league radars due to the importance teams place on reliable, defensively sound catchers with experience handling pitching staffs.

Offensive Profile

Offensively, Hunt has shown steady production at the Triple-A level. He is not known as a power-first catcher, but he has demonstrated the ability to work counts, reach base at a respectable rate, and contribute situationally. His offensive approach fits more as a complementary bat rather than a run producer.

Defensive Strengths

Defense remains Hunt’s strongest asset. Evaluators have consistently pointed to his work behind the plate as the reason he continues to receive opportunities.

• Strong receiving and framing skills
• Quick pop times, typically in the 1.9–2.0 second range
• Above-average arm strength
• Reliable blocking ability
• Experience managing and guiding pitching staffs

At 6-foot-4, Hunt presents a large target for pitchers and brings a physical presence that is valued at the upper levels of the minor leagues.

Why the Signing Matters

This signing represents a low-risk move aimed at strengthening organizational depth. Catching is one of the most demanding positions in baseball, and having an experienced defender available at the Triple-A level provides important insurance throughout a long season.

Hunt is expected to compete for playing time at Triple-A and could factor into the Padres’ plans if injuries or roster needs arise.

Looking Ahead

For the Padres, bringing Blake Hunt back into the organization is about stability and preparedness. While there are no guarantees, strong performance could put him back into consideration for a Major League opportunity.

Do you think Blake Hunt earns a shot with the Padres this season?

Thanks for watching, Padres fans. Stay sharp, stay faithful, and I’ll catch you right here next time on FriarPulse.