Padres Sign Connor Joe
The San Diego Padres are buzzing with enthusiasm after officially signing Connor Joe, a versatile outfielder and first baseman, to a one-year deal, as announced by the team on Saturday.
In a related move, sources have informed ESPN that the Padres have also come to terms with veteran outfielder Jason Heyward on a one-year contract, as reported earlier by The Athletic.
Connor Joe’s Journey
At 32, Joe is set to fill a key spot in left field that opened up after Jurickson Profar, a recent 2024 All-Star, signed with the Atlanta Braves.
Joe’s local roots run deep; he attended Poway High School before going on to play at the University of San Diego alongside future National League MVP Kris Bryant.
His professional journey took off when the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him as the 39th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
Joe made his big league debut in 2019 with the San Francisco Giants.
Joe’s story took a dramatic turn in 2020 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, an ordeal that resulted in surgery and forced him to miss the entire season.
After his recovery, he enjoyed two solid years with the Colorado Rockies, eventually being traded back to the Pirates.
Last season, he displayed his talents across 123 games for Pittsburgh, finishing with a batting average of .228, along with nine home runs and 36 RBIs.
Over his career, he has compiled a .242 batting average, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 141 runs in a total of 438 games.
Jason Heyward’s Experience
On the other hand, Jason Heyward, now 35, brings his own experience to the Padres.
Last season, he posted a .211 batting average in 87 games split between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros.
The Padres expect Heyward to face off against right-handed pitchers, helping to fill the void left by Profar’s departure.
Stepping into his 16th year in Major League Baseball, Heyward carries with him a rich history, having played for the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Cubs, which adds a considerable amount of expertise to the Padres’ roster.
Strengthening The Roster
With Joe and Heyward joining the team, the Padres are clearly focused on strengthening their lineup and creating an exciting atmosphere as they gear up for the upcoming season!
