SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- After 724 regular-season games, spanning 10 seasons with three franchises,
“It’s a beautiful experience, right?” Díaz said through interpreter Danny Sanchez. “Getting to play in the postseason, competing for a World Series, that’s something you always dream about. So to be able to do that last year -- I loved that experience. It was a beautiful experience.\n\n“Being able to come back this year, I think we have a talented team that has the ability to compete for a World Series.”\n\nDíaz might play an important part in that. The Padres’ catching plans are nowhere near settled. But if there’s one certainty, it’s this: Díaz has a spot on the Opening Day roster. In January, he signed a one-year deal to return to San Diego with a mutual option for 2026.
Manager Mike Shildt has always cited catcher as a defense-first position. On that front, Díaz made significant strides last season with his framing. He has been renowned for his ability to work with pitchers.\n\n“Clearly he’s been in the league for a while, so he has that feel,” Shildt said. “... And we always feel like the catcher and the manager need to share brains and think through situations. There’s a lot that I trust the catcher on in the course of a game. So I’ve really enjoyed getting that communication going with him.”\n\nIn 96 games between Colorado and San Diego last season, Díaz posted a slash line of .265/.313/.382. The Padres claimed him off waivers in August, and he played 12 games down the stretch before his postseason cameo and ensuing free agency.\n\nDuring the offseason, the Padres were active in their pursuit of catching. They endeavored to bring back Kyle Higashioka before he signed with Texas. They were rumored to be after Minnesota’s Christian Vázquez.\n\nThey landed on Díaz, a backup down the stretch last season, who could be thrust into a bigger role this year.
The Padres’ other catching options -- Luis Campusano, Martín Maldonado and Brett Sullivan -- have struggled this spring. Campusano has the highest upside of the group. But Díaz is the surest thing. And with a lineup full of All-Stars, the Padres don’t need him to mash.\n\nOf course, Díaz is a former All-Star himself. The 2023 All-Star Game MVP, in fact. At 34, he’s no longer that type of hitter. The Padres won’t ask him to be. If he can sit in the No. 9 spot in the order and steadily command a pitching staff, that might be enough.
**Pivetta cruises** \n
**Waldron labors** \n