Padres Sign Former NL West Outfielder to Minor League Contract: Reports

He could earn significant playing time this spring.

On Wednesday, the Padres signed outfielder Tim Locastro to a minor league deal, as first reported by Jon Morosi of MLBNetwork. 

Locastro, 31, made his debut in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and, most recently, New York Mets. 

Source: OF Tim Locastro has signed a minor-league deal with the Padres that includes an invite to @MLB camp. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 28, 2024

The Padres desperately need outfield help. The dropoff from right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. to the next bona fide major league outfielder on the 40-man roster is steep.

It looks as if the Friars could give rookie Jackson Merrill the everyday job in left field. José Azócar is the center fielder by default. Veteran Jurickson Profar is in camp too, but figures to be better suited to a utility role.  

Regardless of when he debuts and where, Merrill is expected to make his MLB debut this season. He came up as a shortstop and has transitioned to the outfield this spring. Azócar has played 136 major league games over two seasons in the outfield, 52 of which came in center field. 

Over seven seasons, Locastro has played 207 games in the outfield, primarily in left . His calling card is his speed, which should aid him in roaming the outfield.

The right-handed outfielder takes a contact-first approach at the plate, and strikes out at a below-average 20.3 percent clip. He also walks at a below-league-average rate (5.8%).

For his career, Locastro has slashed .228/.327/.337 with a 79 OPS+. His elite speed also gives him value as a pinch runner late in games.

With the Padres in spring training, he should have a chance to earn playing time in the outfield quickly.