The Padres Added the Best Bat at the Deadline in Ramón Laureano

In addition to closing off his stance, he is standing further back in the box than he had in years past, going from 25.9 inches from the front of the plate in 2023 to 30.4 inches this season. 

By giving himself a fraction more time to see the ball, Laureano has cut down on chase (64th percentile), and he is not whiffing nearly as much. The strikeout rate has been cut down by more than seven percentage points, and his hard-hit rate has increased by nine percentage points.

This version of Laureano doesn’t just look like a player who rediscovered his swing; he seems like the star he was projected to be when he broke into the league with Oakland.

A Spark in the Padres’ Lineup

Equally important, Laureano’s resurgence has provided stability in the middle of the Padres’ lineup. Manager Mike Shildt has used him in multiple spots — second, fifth, even leadoff — and he has produced in all of them. His versatility has allowed San Diego to withstand injuries elsewhere in the lineup and maintain balance against both right- and left-handed pitching.

Not only does Laureano lengthen the order, but he also gives it another fold. On a roster filled with distinct hitter archetypes, he provides a rare balance, blending power, patience, and hard-hitting ability, which has forced pitchers to work harder through the lineup.

His impact goes beyond the bat. While primarily playing in left field, Laureano has provided the Padres with solid defense and has made multiple splashy plays. 

Just last Wednesday, he robbed Ke’Bryan Hayes of a game-tying home run in the top of the seventh. It was his third robbery since joining the Padres. These kinds of plays remind you of Laureano’s days in Oakland, and he is providing that same jolt every time he makes a game-changing catch.

The Deal of the Summer

When the Padres traded for Laureano, it was a move to plug a hole in left field. Yet, it has turned into the best acquisition of the entire trade deadline. With his continued success at the plate, he has defied all expectations.

As the Padres fight to stay in the NL West race, Laureano’s presence has been integral to the team’s success. He has the potential to play the hero in October.

Laureano’s journey from DFA to roster centerpiece is a reminder of how thin the margins are in baseball. Sometimes, all a player needs is a small adjustment, a change of scenery, or a second chance. And right now, Laureano is making the most of his.

A Look Into Laureano’s Future

According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Padres are expected to pick up Lareano’s $6.5 million club option for the 2026 season. How could they not, considering how well he has played?

That means San Diego will keep enjoying both his rejuvenated bat and his reliable defense for at least another year, and his relatively modest salary gives the front office financial flexibility to be aggressive in pursuing other upgrades this winter.

For now, though, A.J. Preller and Padres fans can simply celebrate that they landed the most impactful player of the trade deadline.