San Diego Done Deal: Padres free agency moves sign another Prospect Bolstering Minor League Depth

On December 16, the San Diego Padres announced the signing of center fielder to a minor league contract, adding him to their growing list of offseason acquisitions. This marks the 13th minor league signing for the Padres this winter as they continue to strengthen their developmental system. On the same day, the team also signed right-handed pitcher Miguel Alvarez, further emphasizing their focus on depth.

Roederer was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2018 MLB Draft as the 77th overall pick, opting to forgo his commitment to UCLA to begin his professional baseball career. By 2020, he was considered one of the Cubs’ top prospects, ranked fifth in their organization and third among outfielders. However, his progress to the Major Leagues has been slower than expected, with his anticipated 2023 debut still unrealized.

Roederer’s time in the minor leagues has been a mix of promise and setbacks. He reached Triple-A for the first time in September 2023 with the Iowa Cubs, showing improved offensive performance compared to his earlier Double-A stint. However, he started the 2024 season back with the Tennessee Smokies in Double-A, where he displayed defensive flexibility across all three outfield positions, primarily playing left field.

In May 2024, Roederer returned to Triple-A, shifting to center field as his primary position. Despite getting plenty of playing time, his offensive struggles persisted, leading to a career-worst season at the plate. For the first time in his career, he posted a batting average under .200, finishing the season with a .186 average, a .306 on-base percentage, and a .617 OPS—figures that highlighted his ongoing challenges.

Now 25, Roederer joins the Padres at a critical point in his career. While his recent offensive struggles are a concern, his defensive abilities and past potential as a top prospect offer hope for a bounce-back. If he can return to the form that once made him stand out, Roederer could become an important asset in San Diego’s minor league system and potentially earn a Major League opportunity.