Padres Add Former Cubs Prospect Cole Roederer to Minor League Roster

The San Diego Padres continue their active offseason with the signing of center fielder Cole Roederer to a minor league contract, announced on December 16. This marks the organization’s 13th minor league acquisition this winter, showcasing a concerted effort to fortify their developmental pipeline. On the same day, the Padres also added right-handed pitcher Miguel Alvarez, reinforcing their commitment to depth across the board.

Roederer’s Path: From Cubs Prospect to Padres Hopeful

Cole Roederer began his professional journey as a promising prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization. Selected as the 77th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Southern California native bypassed a collegiate career at UCLA to embark on a path filled with early promise. By 2020, Roederer was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 5 overall prospect, thanks to his blend of offensive potential and defensive versatility. At the time, he was also the Cubs’ third-ranked outfielder, fueling expectations of a swift ascent to the big leagues.

However, development in baseball is rarely linear, and Roederer’s trajectory has been a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport. After progressing steadily through the Cubs’ system, he reached Triple-A in September 2023 with the Iowa Cubs, following an inconsistent stint in Double-A with the Tennessee Smokies earlier that year. His defensive versatility shone during this period, as he played across all three outfield positions, eventually settling into center field. Yet, his offensive performance remained inconsistent, a trend that would persist into 2024.

A Challenging 2024 Season

Roederer’s 2024 campaign was marked by struggles at the plate. Returning to Double-A Tennessee to begin the year, he worked to refine his swing and improve his production. A midseason promotion back to Triple-A in May brought an opportunity to cement himself as a reliable center fielder, but his offensive woes deepened. Roederer finished the season with a .186 batting average, a .306 on-base percentage, and a .617 OPS—career lows that underscored the challenges he faced at the plate.

Despite these setbacks, Roederer’s defensive skills and athleticism remain his strengths. His ability to play all three outfield positions and his natural feel for center field provide a foundation for potential growth as he seeks to regain his form.

A Fresh Start with San Diego

At 25 years old, Roederer joins the Padres at a pivotal point in his career. While his recent numbers suggest he has work to do offensively, his pedigree as a former top prospect and his defensive acumen offer reasons for optimism. The Padres, known for their aggressive approach to player development, could provide Roederer the support and opportunities he needs to rediscover his potential.

For San Diego, the signing represents a low-risk, high-upside move that aligns with their strategy of building depth throughout their minor league system. If Roederer can regain the form that once made him a standout in the Cubs organization, he could eventually play a role in San Diego’s Major League roster, either as a versatile outfielder or a spark off the bench.

The Bigger Picture

The addition of Roederer, along with Miguel Alvarez, highlights the Padres’ emphasis on strengthening their talent pool this offseason. With 13 minor league signings already in place, San Diego is positioning itself to compete not only at the Major League level but also within its farm system, ensuring depth and flexibility for the future.

For Roederer, this signing represents a chance to rewrite his story—a fresh start with an organization that values his skills and potential. As the Padres prepare for the 2024 season, the spotlight will be on their new acquisitions to see who can rise to the occasion and make an impact in the coming years.