The San Diego Padres have officially re-signed veteran catcher Elías Díaz to a one-year contract for the 2025 season, which includes a mutual option for 2026. The 34-year-old backstop returns to San Diego after a brief stint with the team in late 2024.
Díaz began the 2024 season with the Colorado Rockies, where he appeared in 84 games, posting a .270 batting average with five home runs and 36 RBIs. Following his release by the Rockies on August 16, he signed a minor league deal with the Padres on August 27. Díaz was called up to the major league roster on September 1, contributing in 12 games during the final stretch of the season.
Over his decade-long major league career, Díaz has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and San Diego Padres, accumulating a .251 batting average with 62 home runs and 297 RBIs across 724 games. Notably, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 All-Star Game after hitting a decisive two-run homer that secured a 3-2 victory for the National League.
Díaz’s return bolsters the Padres’ catching depth, providing a seasoned presence behind the plate. He is expected to compete for the starting catcher role alongside Luis Campusano and recently signed veteran Martín Maldonado. Díaz’s defensive skills and game management are anticipated to be valuable assets as the Padres aim for a successful 2025 season.
The Padres’ 2025 Spring Training schedule includes matchups against teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning on February 21. Fans are eager to see how Díaz’s experience and leadership will contribute to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
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