The San Diego Padres are on the verge of finalizing a deal with versatile infielder/outfielder Connor Joe, as reported by Dennis Lin from The Athletic. Specifics surrounding the agreement are still under wraps; however, the Padres are currently managing several vacancies on their 40-man roster, meaning no additional roster moves will be necessary for this potential MLB deal. At 32, Connor Joe has offered a league-average batting performance across his career, making him a solid option in a platoon arrangement. With a batting line of .242/.337/.391 from 1,582 plate appearances, he holds a wRC+ of 97, signaling slight above-average performance, particularly strong against left-handed pitchers where he boasts a .254/.350/.415 slash and a wRC+ of 107. Though he's played primarily in the outfield and at first base, his recent performance puts him in a favorable light after being non-tendered by the Pirates last November. The financial details of his contract remain undisclosed, but given the Padres' history with financial prudence, a modest deal is anticipated. The team must navigate a tight payroll, especially after significant trades such as sending Juan Soto to the Yankees last winter. The inclusion of Joe could provide the team greater flexibility, allowing them to address gaps left by departing players such as Jurickson Profar and Ha-Seong Kim. Projecting into the starting rotation, Joe is likely to find playing time at first base and left field while competing against emerging talents like Tirso Ornelas. His commitment to improving his game could connect him well with the Padres, who are expected to make additional moves in their quest for a championship-worthy roster ahead of the 2025 season.
