Reports: The San Diego Padres are close to signing outfielder/first baseman Connor Joe. The San Diego native could help fill the team’s left field vacancy.
The San Diego Padres are close to signing free agent outfielder and first baseman Connor Joe, according to multiple reports on Friday.
Joe, 32, could help fill the team’s need in left field after 2024 All-Star Jurickson Profar left San Diego in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Braves.
Joe has strong ties to San Diego. He grew up in the area, played at Poway High School, and later attended the University of San Diego. During his college years (2012-13), he was teammates with future National League MVP Kris Bryant.
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Joe was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the 39th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2019 with the San Francisco Giants.
In 2020, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery, missing the entire season.
He returned to play with the Colorado Rockies in 2021 and 2022 before being traded back to the Pirates.
Last season with Pittsburgh, Joe hit .228 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs over 123 games. Over his MLB career, he has a .242 batting average with 35 home runs and 141 RBIs in 438 games.
If the deal is finalized, Joe would provide the Padres with depth and experience as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
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