2024 Padres Season Review: Kyle Higashioka, Elías Díaz and Luis Campusano

Kyle Higashioka: 1.6 fWAR, 84 G, .220 AVG, .263 OBP, .476 SLG, 105 wRC+, 29 R, 45 RBI, 17 HR

Positives From This Season

Not lots of people have been desirous about “Higgy” when the Juan Soto commerce went down final offseason. Michael King and even Drew Thorpe have been the headliners coming again to San Diego however those that had watched any Yankees video games knew that Higgy was going to be a stable veteran to have alongside Luis Campusano.

Stable wasn’t the correct adjective. Nice would’ve been higher (based mostly off pre-season expectations). When Campusano went down with a thumb harm, he took over the beginning position and by no means gave it again.

Since June 22—the date Campusano went on the IL—Higgy posted a .795 OPS, .289 OBP, 35 RBI and 12 residence runs (already a season career-high in that span of time). The 34-year-old completed with 20 homers together with his three within the postseason—one in all them coming off Max Fried.

He did so effectively the Friar Devoted gave him “HI-GGY! HI-GGY!” chants within the postseason.

Higgy is a free agent this offseason however with the Padres present catching state of affairs, he ought to be getting curiosity from his 2024 employer.

Negatives From This Season

He hit beneath .200 vs. lefties and with runners in scoring place however should you went into the season anticipating him to be Luis Arraez then I don’t know what to inform you.

Elías Díaz: 1.6 fWAR, 84 G, .220 AVG, .263 OBP, .476 SLG, 105 wRC+, 29 R, 45 RBI, 17 HR

Positives From This Season

Díaz got here in late within the season after being let go by the Rockies and was a greater choice than Campusano. The 33-year-old served because the backup on the postseason roster.

Negatives From This Season

Clearly it wasn’t a big pattern measurement however he solely acquired 4 hits in 21 at-bats to complete out the common season. Perhaps the Padres attempt to carry him again on an affordable one-year or minor league deal however their focus ought to clearly be on securing Higashioka’s providers.

Luis Campusano: 1.6 fWAR, 84 G, .220 AVG, .263 OBP, .476 SLG, 105 wRC+, 29 R, 45 RBI, 17 HR

Positives From This Season

Campusano began off the season stable, driving in 17 runs in his first 28 video games.

Negatives From This Season

His protection continued to look not-so-impressive once more in 2024. We’re not in these conferences so we don’t know what coaches are telling him nevertheless it seems like he might look much less lazy behind the plate.

He’s additionally been underwhelming within the field, posting an OPS+ greater than 50 factors decrease this season than 2023 (granted in 40+ extra video games). His common, on-base share, slugging share and OPS have been all down.

Who is aware of if Campusano will probably be first or second on the depth chart heading into Opening Day 2025. They received’t say it publicly however they in all probability need him to be second.