Padres Sign Outfielder Carlos Rodriguez to Bolster Outfield Depth

The San Diego Padres have made a calculated move to bolster their organizational depth by adding outfielder Carlos Rodriguez on a minor league deal. They’ve invited him to Spring Training, hoping he’ll become another offensive and defensive contributor heading into the 2026 MLB season.

Rodriguez, a 24-year-old former Braves farmhand, has shown flashes of promising talent throughout his minor league journey. Now he gets a shot to prove himself in a new environment.

Carlos Rodriguez’s Career Path and Development

Rodriguez’s journey to the Padres has been a story of perseverance and incremental growth. He first signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an international free agent back in 2017.

In the lower minors, he quickly built a reputation for consistent contact and above-average plate discipline. That kind of approach is tough to find these days.

Early Challenges and Adjustments

He hit a wall at the High-A level in 2021, and his production dropped off. But he bounced back the next year, hitting .268 with a .355 on-base percentage and a .415 slugging mark.

Those numbers showed he could adapt and regain his offensive footing. Not everyone recovers that quickly from a setback.

Breakout Performance at Double-A

His time in Double-A really changed the narrative. After an average 2023, he exploded the following season with a 130 wRC+—that’s 30% better than league average, for those keeping score.

Even more impressive, Rodriguez drew more walks than strikeouts. That kind of plate discipline is rare and pretty exciting if you ask me.

Promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett

After that breakout, Rodriguez moved up to Triple-A Gwinnett. His OPS there was a modest .640, but he still managed to hit a career-high eight home runs and steal 17 bases.

His plate discipline didn’t disappear, which hints there’s more growth to come if he keeps adjusting to better pitching. You never really know until they face the best, right?

Spring Training Success and New Opportunity

Rodriguez has made the most of his brief Spring Training chances in the past. He’s hit well in limited stints with both the Brewers and Braves.

That ability to perform under pressure could help him as he heads into camp with San Diego. Maybe it’s just a small sample, but it’s something.

What He Brings to the Padres Organization

Signing Rodriguez isn’t just about filling out the roster. There’s real upside here, even if it’s a bit of a gamble.

• Excellent plate vision and discipline – He draws walks and rarely strikes out, making him a tough out.
• Speed and baserunning acumen – With 17 stolen bases at Triple-A, he’s a genuine threat on the bases.
• Defensive versatility – He’s played all over the outfield, which gives the team options.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Rodriguez’s minor league deal doesn’t guarantee a roster spot. But it does give him a real shot at the majors if he impresses in camp.

The Padres will watch closely to see if his mix of contact skills, speed, and defense can hold up at the big league level. There’s no way to know until he gets his chance.

Potential Role in San Diego

If Rodriguez’s bat heats up and his speed keeps playing, he could carve out a role as a fourth outfielder or bench contributor. Maybe he even pushes for more regular at-bats if things break his way.

The Padres need affordable roster options, so if Rodriguez emerges, he could be a sneaky valuable asset for their 2026 campaign. Stranger things have happened in baseball.

Final Thoughts

Carlos Rodriguez started as a young international prospect. Now, he’s fighting to break into a major league roster.

The Padres saw something in him and decided to invest. Maybe they noticed his persistence or just liked the way he adapts to new challenges.

Padres fans get to watch him during Spring Training. There’s a chance his disciplined approach and surprising power could help him stick around in San Diego’s plans.

 
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