San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller has acknowledged during the GM meetings in Las Vegas that other clubs have already inquired about the organization’s catching surplus, via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.
The conversations center on Freddy Fermin and Luis Campusano, two players who could help fill a thin position across the league while the Padres weigh how best to deploy their depth.
Fermin, who posted a .589 OPS in 2026, earned recognition as a Gold Glove finalist for his defensive work. Campusano offered a more productive bat, hitting .265 with a .795 OPS.
Both remain under team control for multiple seasons, making them attractive to clubs seeking affordable, controllable options behind the plate.
Highly regarded prospect Ethan Salas adds another layer to the equation; the organization has previously outlined scenarios in which all three could contribute in 2027, yet the external interest gives Preller flexibility if he chooses to move one of them.
Speaking to reporters, Preller described the situation as “a good one” and noted that other front offices recognize the depth San Diego has assembled.
He stopped short of saying the Padres are shopping either catcher, emphasizing instead the value of carrying three options.
The setup offers insurance against injuries and allows the club to remain selective if a deal materializes. At the same time, Salas’s presence as a long-term solution behind the plate could eventually create an opportunity to deal from strength.
That strength stands in contrast to the questions surrounding the starting rotation.
Several pitchers who contributed in 2026—including Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, Casey Mize, Lucas Giolito, and Griffin Canning—reached free agency.
When asked how many starters the Padres still need to add, Preller quipped that even three or four might fall short. The club has shown interest in bringing back King and Pivetta, yet re-signing either would not necessarily eliminate the need for additional arms.
In that context, moving one of the catchers could become a practical avenue for reinforcing the pitching staff.
Both Fermin and Campusano carry enough value and remaining control to generate useful returns, while Salas’ trajectory suggests the organization will want him to receive meaningful playing time sooner rather than later.
Preller has not indicated that any trade is imminent, and no reports have surfaced of concrete offers involving a starting pitcher.
As the offseason progresses, however, the catching group figures to remain a focal point for other teams looking to upgrade their own rosters, and for the Padres as they attempt to balance present depth against longer-term needs.
