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

Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs as the 77th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, Roederer bypassed his commitment to UCLA to begin his professional baseball career. By 2020, he was ranked as one of the Cubs’ top prospects, earning the No. 5 spot in their organization and ranking third among outfielders. Despite early promise, Roederer’s path to the Major Leagues has been slower than anticipated, with his projected 2023 debut yet to materialize.

Roederer’s journey through the minor leagues has been marked by moments of potential and challenges. He reached Triple-A for the first time in September 2023 with the Iowa Cubs, showing an improved offensive performance compared to his Double-A stint earlier that year. However, he began the 2024 season back with the Tennessee Smokies in Double-A, where he showcased defensive versatility across all three outfield positions while primarily playing left field.

A midseason return to Triple-A in May 2024 saw Roederer transition to center field as his primary position. Despite ample playing time, his offensive struggles continued, culminating in a career-worst season at the plate. For the first time in his professional career, he posted a batting average below .200, finishing the season with a .186 average, a .306 on-base percentage, and a .617 OPS—numbers that reflected ongoing challenges in his development.

Now at 25, Roederer arrives in the Padres organization at a crossroads in his career. While his recent offensive struggles present a hurdle, his defensive skills and previous potential as a prospect offer hope for a rebound. If he can rediscover the form that once made him a standout, Roederer could become a valuable asset for San Diego’s minor league system and potentially earn an opportunity at the Major League level.