Padres Sign Veteran Infielder to Minor League Deal

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Padres Sign Veteran Infielder to Minor League Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Najarian | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 4:07 PM ET

The San Diego Padres are taking a flyer on this veteran infielder.

Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported on Friday that the Padres have signed infielder Luis Rengifo to a minor league contract. Rengifo, 29, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday after being designated for assignment the week before.

A switch-hitter who primarily plays third base but has experience at second base and shortstop, Rengifo's most productive seasons came with the Los Angeles Angels from 2022 to 2024. Over those three seasons, he hit .273/.323/.431 with 50 doubles, nine triples, 39 home runs, 133 RBI, a 111 wRC+ and 4.9 fWAR in 331 games. Despite playing in just 78 games in 2024, Rengifo brandished speed by swiping 24 bases after combining for just 12 in 2022 and 2023.

The Padres and veteran infielder Luis Rengifo have agreed to a minor-league deal, according to sources. Rengifo was released by the Brewers this week after he hit .205/. 280/.254 in 57 games.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) June 26, 2026

However, Rengifo regressed significantly in 2025 as his slash line deteriorated to .238/.287/.335 in 147 games. This prompted the Angels to let him go as a free agent, and he signed with the Brewers on a one-year, $3.5 million contract that contained a $10 million mutual option for 2027. The veteran proceeded to struggle even further with Milwaukee, slashing .205/.280/.254 with no home runs, 19 RBI and a 52 wRC+ before being let go. Rengifo totaled -0.7 fWAR in just 57 games.

Despite Rengifo's rapid decline, the Padres are clearly desperate for any sort of production. As a team, San Diego is hitting .220/.294/.364 with an 87 wRC+; all of these figures are the worst in MLB. If Rengifo can return to form, the Padres could finally get the sparkplug that the lineup needs so badly. If not, they could simply release him again with no significant financial commitment.

With the contract being a minor league deal, Rengifo will begin his Padres tenure with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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