Padres Non-Roster Invitees: Prospects to Watch for 2024 Roster Spots

SAN DIEGO — As Spring Training approaches, the San Diego Padres are evaluating a roster brimming with potential, and for several players, a non-roster invite represents a crucial opportunity to earn a spot on the Major League team. Manager Craig Stammen understands this dynamic intimately, having himself benefited from a non-roster invitation in 2017 after elbow surgery, ultimately spending seven seasons with the club.

The Padres announced their list of 28 non-roster invitees on Wednesday, February 8, 2025, a group headlined by top prospect Ethan Salas. While Salas, the Padres’ top prospect according to MLB Pipeline, isn’t expected to immediately contend for a roster spot, several others are poised to compete for playing time. The Padres saw a similar success story last year with Gavin Sheets, who earned a roster spot after beginning Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.

Three players, in particular, stand out as potential candidates to follow Sheets’ path: right-handed pitcher Cody McKenzie, catcher Blake Hunt, and relief pitcher Francis Pena.

McKenzie’s Opportunity

Cody McKenzie, a 28-year-old right-hander, presents an intriguing case. His career trajectory mirrors Sheets’ in some respects, having experienced early success followed by a period of struggle. From 2020-2022, McKenzie recorded a 3.69 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP across 64 appearances (60 starts). However, the past three seasons have been hampered by injuries, resulting in a 5.46 ERA in 24 appearances.

The Padres are hoping a reunion with pitching coach Ruben Niebla can help McKenzie rediscover his earlier form. Niebla previously worked extensively with McKenzie during his time with the Cleveland Guardians before joining the Padres prior to the 2022 season. The Padres are evaluating options at the back end of their rotation, and McKenzie offers a relatively low-risk, high-reward proposition. He will compete with veteran pitcher Michael Gonzales, among others, for the final spots in the rotation.

Hunt’s Chance Behind the Plate

The Padres also have an opportunity to address their catching depth. Currently, Freddy Fermin is the starting catcher, with Luis Campusano serving as the backup. However, Campusano’s defensive limitations may lead the Padres to consider him more as a designated hitter or pinch-hitting option. This creates an opening for a third catcher on the roster, and Blake Hunt could be the frontrunner for that position.

Hunt, originally drafted in the same year as Campusano, was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in the deal that brought Blake Snell to the Padres. Last season, he posted an .820 OPS with Triple-A Tacoma. While he is primarily a bat-first catcher, Hunt offers more defensive stability than Campusano. However, the Padres may also explore adding another catcher this spring, meaning Hunt will need to perform well to secure his place on the roster.

Pena’s Potential in the Bullpen

The Padres’ bullpen is already considered one of the best in baseball, but depth is always a concern, especially with Jason Adam’s status for Opening Day uncertain due to a left quadriceps surgery. Francis Pena, the Padres’ No. 20 prospect, could emerge as a valuable asset in relief.

Pena possesses an effective sinker/slider combination and a high ceiling, but he needs to improve his control. If he can limit his walks, he could earn a spot in the bullpen. The Padres have a number of established relievers, including Woo-Suk Go, Yuki Matsui, Robert Suarez, Enyel De Los Santos, Tom Cosgrove, Wandy Peralta, Jhony Brito, and Stephen Kolek, but injuries can quickly deplete bullpen depth, making Pena a potential call-up.

The Padres’ Spring Training roster includes a mix of established players and hopefuls vying for a chance to contribute. As the team prepares for the February 4, 2026 season, the coming weeks will be critical in determining which non-roster invitees can follow in the footsteps of Gavin Sheets and earn a spot on the Major League roster.