Padres News: MLB Expert Believes Team Will Need to Improve Behind The Plate

Friars lack a consistent catcher

The San Diego Padres are in the middle of a nine-game road trip with hopes of climbing back to .500. However, they've been hindered by injuries, leaving them in need of reinforcements. Star third baseman Manny Machado is still out, and their infielder Ha-Seong Kim will be out for a short amount of time. The team could use all the reinforcements they could get, and unfortunately, the catcher position has been a weak link for the team.

The Padres boast an impressive roster filled with star power in almost every position, but the catcher position is noticeably lacking in that regard. The three catchers they go with, Austin Nola, Brett Sullivan, and Luis Campusano, have struggled to provide the necessary spark behind the plate. Their collective efforts have not been enough for the team, and it's apparent an upgrade is needed. 

Because of this, ESPN MLB insider Alden Gonzalez believes the Friars will need to make some moves for an upgrade this trade deadline. 

They are underperforming throughout their lineup, but nowhere more so than at catcher, where Austin Nola, Luis Campusanoand Brett Sullivan have combined to slash just .169/.248/.270 entering the road trip. The Padres' OPS from behind the plate ranks higher than only that of the Marlins and Guardians. This is a position the team will desperately need to address before the trade deadline, but it's hard to figure out where to turn. -- Gonzalez

With the trade deadline on the horizon, the Padres have an opportunity to address this weakness. Nola has never been a force on offense, Campusano is still recovering from a repaired left thumb that required surgery, and Sullivan isn't touching .200 on his batting average. 

If the Padres are able to acquire an average to above-average catcher, it would bolster their chances of not only making a push for the playoffs but being serious contenders. The catcher position isn't the end all be all, but a minor upgrade is needed, at least. 

We'll find out soon enough how the Padres approach the catcher's position and if they'll be buyers by the trade deadline.