The San Diego Padres have officially outrighted outfielder Bryce Johnson to Triple-A El Paso after he cleared waivers. The 30-year-old, who was designated for assignment on Friday, has struggled at the plate this season and is now free to either accept the assignment or elect free agency. Johnson spent 32 games on the major league roster this year but managed just a .178 batting average with 18 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances.
Johnson’s performance contrasts sharply with the emergence of younger players in the Padres’ outfield. Samad Taylor has seized his opportunity since being called up a few weeks ago and has firmly entrenched himself in the left field role. Meanwhile, rookie Jase Bowen continues to hold down a bench spot, and Nick Solak was recently promoted from Triple-A to replace the injured Miguel Andujar. These moves reflect a shift in San Diego’s outfield depth chart.
Johnson’s struggles at the plate are not a new trend. Over parts of five MLB seasons, he has hit just .229 with an on-base percentage of .286 and a slugging percentage of .290. Last year, he posted a career-high .342 batting average over 84 plate appearances, but that brief success has not translated into consistent production this season. His switch-hitting profile did not generate expected results in 2024, and the Padres have moved on.
With limited upper-minor league depth at the position, the Padres have leaned heavily on their Triple-A hitters. Solak, Taylor, and Bowen have been among El Paso’s top performers this season and have now been promoted to San Diego. The club’s only position player on the 40-man roster who is not currently on the active roster is Mason McCoy. Beyond Solak and Taylor, utility player Pablo Reyes and 27-year-old Marcos Castañon have been the only above-average hitters in Triple-A with over 40 plate appearances.
The Padres now face a decision on whether Johnson will accept the outright assignment or enter free agency. If he elects free agency, San Diego will save roster space and salary for the remainder of the season. The move allows them to continue developing younger talent and maintain flexibility on the 25-man roster.
The Padres will continue to monitor the situation as they prepare for their next series. Johnson’s final decision could impact their bench depth as the season enters its final stretch.
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