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Ethan Salas’ Emergence Could Lead the Padres to a Trade

After a roller coaster season, the San Diego Padres now face another busy offseason with plenty of decisions to make. Among those decisions is a potential logjam at catcher. The Golden Boy has arrived and looks the part, Luis Campusano…

By Ethan Penrod · Just Baseball

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 4:27 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Ethan Penrod argues the Padres should trade catcher Freddy Fermin following top prospect Ethan Salas' emergence.
Penrod recommends retaining Luis Campusano alongside Salas due to Campusano's offensive production and versatility at designated hitter.
Fermin is arbitration-eligible with a projected $2.6 million salary after finishing as a 2026 Gold Glove finalist.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ethan Penrod of Just Baseball argues that the San Diego Padres should explore trading catcher Freddy Fermin as top prospect Ethan Salas emerges. With Salas projected as the franchise cornerstone, Penrod suggests San Diego must resolve a catching surplus between arbitration-eligible backstops Fermin and Luis Campusano.

Penrod advocates retaining Campusano for his superior offensive upside and lineup flexibility, while recommending the Padres capitalize on Fermin's strong trade value as a 2026 Gold Glove finalist to address other roster needs.

Read the full article on Just Baseball

Ethan Salas’ Emergence Could Lead the Padres to a Trade

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