Can catcher Luis Campusano lock in role with Padres?

With the start of the 2023 season a little more than two months away, the San Diego Padres and their fans wonder what they have behind the plate. Does catcher Luis Campusano, who cracked the Opening Day roster last season, have what it takes to be a full-time player?

In 2021, MLB.com ranked Campusano as San Diego's third-best prospect and No. 2 catching prospect in the National League. Despite an estimated time of arrival in the big leagues of 2022, he appeared in only 11 games in 2021, putting up abysmal numbers (.088/.184/.088 slash line).

At the time, though, Campusano was just 22 and had what MLB.com called "a blend of physical strength and explosive bat speed."

2022 was just as disappointing for Campusano, who played in 16 games, mustering a lowly on-base plus slugging percentage of .593 in 50 plate appearances. There was still hope, though, because in Triple-A, he posted an OPS of .846 in 81 games.

In 2022, Campusano had no real role on the big-league roster with Austin Nola and Jorge Alfaro taking a bulk of the playing time. There was no need to rush his development because it appeared a starting spot would be his for the taking the next season.

In 2023, Campusano played in only 48 games, but he was amazing in the chances he got. He especially impressed against left-handed pitchers (.405 batting average and a whopping 1.113 OPS, per Fan Graphs). He also played well defensively (.991 fielding percentage).

FanGraphs projects Campusano as the team's starting Opening Day catcher. The big question is whether he can put a full season together and keep that role. 

Baseball Reference predicts Campusano will have a relatively average season, slashing .273/.329/.438 with 73 hits, 10 home runs and 40 RBI. Unfortunately for Campusano, he must be even better to secure his position long-term.

The No. 5 prospect in baseball is San Diego's Ethan Salas, who's projected to make his debut in 2025. He could be the team's long-term starter at catcher. 

At one point Campusano was a highly rated prospect primed for a great career. Now he could become an afterthought or placeholder unless he has a big season.