One Buy-Low Free Agent the Padres Should Sign
After making it to the NLCS just two years ago, the San Diego Padres missed the playoffs last season and are now in the process of retooling the roster.
During their 2022 NLCS campaign, the Padres made a blockbuster move by trading for Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto. A week ago, the Padres shipped Soto off to the New York Yankees and are now looking to replace his bat in the lineup.
While the Padres could go out and get a bat with a lot of power, the reality is, they already have enough players who can hit the long ball, Instead, they should focus on finding someone who can hit for contact, get on base, and come through in clutch situations.
Last season, the Padres ranked 26th in the MLB with runners in scoring position. As a team, they had a batting average of .241, struck out 346 times, and grounded into 51 double plays.
As the Padres will be looking for a bat that can focus on just getting on base, I decided to take a look at a low-cost free agent who could help San Diego fill that role.
Gio Urshela Scouting Report
Before suffering a season-ending pelvis injury while playing for the Los Angeles Angels last year, Urshela was one of the best hitters in the Angels’ lineup.
In 62 games played last season, Urshela hit .299 with an on-base percentage of .329 and 24 RBIs while drawing 10 walks.
Not only was Ursehla a machine at getting on base, he also racked in 11 extra-base hits and held a batting average of .326 on balls in play.
Another area that Urshela could help thrive on the San Diego roster is on defense. Throughout his career, Urshela has found himself playing all across the infield except at catcher.
With Urshela's flexibility and versatility to play all across the infield, the Padres would be able to give their regular starters tons of rest throughout the season. That could help them stay fresher and hopefully lead to less slumping throughout the season.
