Padres Re-Sign Catcher Elias Díaz for 2025 Season

The San Diego Padres have re-signed veteran catcher Elias Díaz to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, including a mutual option for 2026, marking their first major-league free-agent signing of the offseason. Díaz, who joined the Padres in 2024 after being released by the Colorado Rockies, will compete for the starting catcher position following the departure of Kyle Higashioka to the Texas Rangers. Despite Díaz's solid defensive reputation and All-Star recognition in 2023, his offensive output has been moderate, with a career .251/.304/.388 slash line. The Padres, facing financial constraints due to large contracts with key players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, are considering trading pitchers like Michael King and Dylan Cease. Meanwhile, fans have shown mixed reactions to Díaz's signing, especially in light of losing key player Jurickson Profar to the Atlanta Braves.