Ramon Laureano walked into the San Diego Padres locker room as a trade deadline acquisition and has quickly made an impact with his play on the field, and production at the plate. Laureano filled a need in left field and was a mainstay at the position until recently, when he slid over to center field as a result of an injury to Jackson Merrill. It seems that no matter where he plays, Laureano has no problem producing on offense.
Heading into the upcoming series
with the Minnesota Twins, Laureano has appeared in 25 games for Padres and has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his play on defense and his production at the plate. He has 29 hits with four doubles, two triples and five home runs, which includes a first-inning grand slam against the Seattle Mariners, Tuesday. Laureano has also scored 17 runs and has 20 RBI over that span.
The Padres lengthened their lineup at the deadline by adding Laureano and his Baltimore Orioles teammate Ryan O’Hearn, as well as the additions of catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals and infielder Will Wagner from the Toronto Blue Jays. While each player has had impactful moments, Laureano served as an immediate upgrade and has been the most consistent contributor to this point.
Most deadline acquisitions are rentals, but that is not the case with Laureano. He has a team option for $6.5 million for the 2026 season, which will assuredly be exercised by San Diego, giving the Padres a projected outfield of Laureano in left, Merrill in center and Fernando Tatis Jr. in right. Add that group to returning infielders, Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth and Fermin, and it is easy for the Friar Faithful to be excited not only for the remainder of this season, but for the future.
Having Laureano in place at a position that has been in flux for San Diego over the past couple of seasons should make for a formidable outfield, but it may have an even greater impact on the offense if Laureano can carry his current level of production into next season. No one is ready to look ahead because there are still regular season games to be played and a postseason in 2025 that the Padres and their fans hope results in a World Series, but it is easy to be excited about what the future might hold for San Diego if you find yourself looking at the potential for success down the road with Laureano on the roster.
