The San Diego Padres are eagerly anticipating a promising 2024 season, with hopes of being competitive and challenging the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.
Armed with all the necessary tools, the Friars have the potential to make a strong push this season. Key stars such as Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are expected to perform even more efficiently than in the previous year. While these players will spearhead the offense, there’s optimism about a surprise contributor emerging to share the offensive burden.
According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, young catcher Luis Campusano could be that unexpected player. Reuter includes Campusano among the MLB players poised for a home run surge in the upcoming season.
While projecting twenty home runs for Campusano might be ambitious, it becomes plausible with an expanded role compared to previous years. In 2023, Campusano achieved career highs, boasting a .319/.356/.491 slash line with a .847 OPS, seven home runs, 30 RBIs, 52 hits, and 27 runs in 163 at-bats over 49 games.
Campusano’s 2023 season was cut short due to a right ankle sprain, landing him on the 60-day injured list. Having hit seven home runs last season, the possibility of reaching 20 becomes less daunting if he assumes an everyday starter or platoon role. While Campusano’s defensive skills may not be top-notch, the Padres are willing to accept any defensive shortcomings as long as he contributes significantly on the offensive front.
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