The San Diego Padres’ offense has been very potent to begin the 2026 season. One of the early contributors has been Luis Campusano. He is off to a hot start because Campusano finally feels free from the pressure of fulfilling others’ expectations
It has allowed him to play carefree baseball.
Stammen’s belief never wavered
Padres skipper Craig Stammen put trust in his game. It began in Spring Training, when the manager proclaimed that Campy was the team’s backup catcher, despite the pleas for a more reliable option. The support for the one-time top minor league prospect came as a surprise.
It was not too long ago when the front office thought Campy was a defensive liability. They felt he regressed in framing pitches, blocking balls in the dirt, and throwing out would-be base-stealers. When Campusano started, he lasted five or six innings before a defensive replacement was put into the game.
It was obvious there was no trust that he could navigate a pitching staff to a victory. Unfortunately, the organization never took into consideration that the position was too encompassing for a young player. The demands overwhelmed Campy, but those days are over.
Campusano turning a new leaf
So far, you have to give Campusano high marks in fulfilling his catching duties. He has become more attentive in having pitchers execute the game plan. Stammen has given him some latitude to call certain parts of the game from what he has observed behind the plate. Finally, Campy has effectively utilized the ABS system, turning it into an advantage for getting ahead in counts.
In the batter’s box, you might describe what Campusano is experiencing as an offensive renaissance. Currently, he is batting .310 with a .885 OPS in 10 games. Let’s not forget that Campy did not record a base hit in 27 plate appearances last season.
He has made the necessary adjustments that allowed him to make quality contact with a more level swing. Despite all the early-season success, Stammen has to be smart in how he uses Campusano in the lineup.
What is next in Campy’s development
The burning question is whether his offensive value gives Campy more playing time. The organization may not be ready to have that conversation at this moment. However, starting receiver Freddy Fermin is struggling at the plate, hitting .161 with two RBI this season.
There has been no talk of Campy replacing him in the lineup, but that could change if he maintains good offensive and defensive metrics. Right now, Fermin is the better catcher. He ranks second in the defensive runs saved category and throws the ball down to second base in 1.89 seconds. No question, Fermin has elite defensive skills behind the plate.
Campusano is slowly gaining the trust of the coaching staff. Still, the Friars cannot sacrifice defense for another bat in the lineup.
However, he is a work in progress, as Campy is improving his footwork, becoming a solid blocker of pitches in the dirt, and making more accurate throws to second base.
Finally, confidence is in his professional vocabulary.
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