Padres' catching surplus gives Reds two options and one clear answer

After losing Tyler Stephenson to free agency, the Cincinnati Reds are in the market for a catcher to pair alongside veteran Jose Trevino. While Cincinnati has not ruled out a reunion with Stephenson, the likelihood becomes less and less with each passing day.

The San Diego Padres have reportedly fielded a number of calls this offseason, most of which have centered around the team's influx of backstops. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres are expected to trade one of Freddy Fermin or Luis Campusano this winter.

Either one of Fermin or Campusano would be a solid match for the Reds, but one stands head and shoulders above of the other. Fermin's defensive acumen fits Cincinnati's desire to play "clean baseball", but the Reds' lack of offensive production in 2026 screams for a bat like Campusano's to be added to the fray this offseason.

If the Padres are shopping Luis Campusano, the Reds should inquire

Campusano is not going to win a Gold Glove behind the plate. Outside of throwing out would-be base stealers, he graded out as one of the worst defensive catchers in the league. But the Reds need to find offensive upgrades this offseason, and the 28-year-old can certainly help in that regard.

After spending most of the 2025 season toiling in the minor leagues, Campusano made his return to the majors last season and hit .265/.363/.433 with eight home runs, 30 RBI, a 122 OPS+, and a 127 wRC+. He was also adept at drawing free passes, as evidenced by his 12.1% walk rate.

With the Reds seemingly set to run things back in 2027 with the likes of Matt McLain (69 OPS+), Ke'Bryan Hayes (17 OPS+), and Noelvi Marte (51 OPS+), they cannot afford to have another blackhole in the lineup. Trevino's line (.217/.221/.336) is uninspiring enough, but adding another lackluster bat to the equation will only make things worse.

Fermin's glove work behind the plate would be a tremendous compliment alongside Trevino. He ranked among the 86th percentile or higher in blocks above average (10), pop time (1.88 seconds), caught stealing above average (6), and fielding run value (9). But he hit just .203/.274/.315 in 2026, and his career OPS across five big-league seasons barely eclipses .650.

The Reds need a stopgap until Alfredo Duno is ready to take over behind the dish in 2028 (maybe 2029). While either one of Campusano or Fermin would be an upgrade over Will Banfield, Cincinnati must choose wisely given their current roster constraints.

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