Imagine a player who, after years of ups and downs, suddenly finds his power stroke and becomes a key piece in a playoff push. That's the story of Ramón Laureano, the Padres' outfielder who is entering a pivotal walk year in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Laureano sustain his 2025 resurgence, or was it just a fleeting moment of brilliance? Let's dive into his journey and what the future holds.
RAMÓN LAUREANO
Laureano, a right-handed hitting and throwing outfielder, stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 203 pounds. By Opening Day 2026, he'll be 31 years old, entering the final year of his contract after the Padres exercised their $6.5 million team option for 2025. Acquired via trade from the Baltimore Orioles in July 2025, Laureano quickly made his presence felt in San Diego.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
In 132 games and 488 plate appearances, Laureano slashed .281/.342/.512 with 24 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 72 runs scored. He also drew 35 walks, struck out 119 times, and stole seven bases. His 3.0 fWAR highlighted a strong all-around season. And this is the part most people miss: Laureano's slugging percentage against breaking pitches skyrocketed to .624 in 2025, nearly double his previous year's mark (.333). He crushed 10 home runs off breaking pitches—four off sliders, three off curveballs, two off sweepers, and one off a knuckle curve—matching his total from the previous four years combined.
A JOURNEY OF HIGHS AND LOWS
Originally drafted by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2014 draft out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Laureano's career has been a rollercoaster. He debuted with the Athletics in 2018 and had a breakout 2019 season, hitting 24 home runs with an .860 OPS in 123 games. However, the following five seasons were marred by an 80-game steroid suspension, inconsistent play, and stints with the Athletics, Indians, and Braves. Despite a productive 67-game stretch with Atlanta in 2024 (10 HRs, .832 OPS), he was non-tendered and signed a $4 million deal with the Orioles, which included a team option for 2026. In Baltimore, he turned back the clock, posting a .884 OPS with 15 home runs in 82 games before the trade to San Diego.
A TRADE THAT SPARKED A RESURGENCE
The move to the Padres seemed to energize Laureano. In August 2025, he hit seven home runs with a .935 OPS, proving to be a vital addition. However, his season ended prematurely due to a fractured right index finger suffered in late September, just as the Padres were gearing up for the NL Wild Card Series against the Cubs. Without Laureano's right-handed bat to balance their lefty-heavy lineup, the Padres struggled, hitting just .189/.243/.305 in a three-game sweep.
2026 OUTLOOK: CAN HE KEEP IT UP?
Laureano enters 2026 as the unquestioned starter in left field, aiming to build on his second-best career season. He'll also provide depth by spelling Jackson Merrill in center field and occasionally Fernando Tatis Jr. in right. But here's the million-dollar question: Was 2025 a one-off, or is Laureano truly back to his 2019 form? His performance against breaking pitches suggests a real adjustment, but consistency will be key. If he can maintain his power and production, he'll be a valuable asset in a Padres lineup looking to contend.
ROSTER RANKINGS
Laureano ranks 7th on the Padres' roster, ahead of notable players like Xander Bogaerts (8th) and Adrián Morejón (9th). Here’s the full ranking:
- OF Ramón Laureano
- SS Xander Bogaerts
- LHP Adrián Morejón
- RHP Jeremiah Estrada
- RHP Jason Adam
- 2B Jake Cronenworth
- RHP Joe Musgrove
- RHP Randy Vasquez
- OF Gavin Sheets
- LHP JP Sears
- RHP Yu Darvish
- RHP Bradgley Rodriguez
- RHP David Morgan
- C Freddy Fermin
- LHP Wandy Peralta
- C Luis Campusano
- LHP Yuki Matsui
- INF Sung-Mun Song
- RHP Matt Waldron
- OF Bryce Johnson
- RHP Ron Marinaccio
- RHP Bryan Hoeing
- LHP Kyle Hart
- RHP Jhony Brito
- INF Will Wagner
- OF Tirso Ornelas
- RHP Garrett Hawkins
- RHP Miguel Mendez
- RHP Daison Acosta
- RHP Ty Adcock
- RHP Alek Jacob
- INF Mason McCoy
FINAL THOUGHTS
Laureano's story is one of resilience and redemption. After years of setbacks, he's positioned for a breakout 2026. But what do you think? Can Laureano sustain his 2025 success, or will he revert to his previous inconsistencies? Let us know in the comments below!
