The San Diego Padres traded for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramón Laureano at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, and he's been spectacular for the club since he's arrived.
However, the All-Star outfielder's contract goes through 2025, with a $6.5 million club option for 2026. Therefore, the Padres have a decision to make at the end of the season.
If Laureano continues to produce the way he has since he got to San Diego, it would seem like a no-brainer for the Padres. At least that's what MLB Insider Mark Feinsand believes.
Padres Predicted to Pick Up Laureano's Club Option
Laureano was having a very productive season with the Orioles before the Padres traded for him. The All-Star outfielder was hitting .290 with an .884 OPS, 15 home runs and 46 RBI through 82 games.
Since the trade, he's only improved those numbers. Laureano has been on fire since arriving in San Diego, hitting .315 with a .968 OPS, six home runs and 20 RBI in just 25 games.
"Laureano is having the best season of his career, performing well with the Orioles (15 home runs, 46 RBIs, .884 OPS in 82 games) before a midseason trade to the Padres," Feinsand wrote. "Since the trade, Laureano has four homers, 15 RBIs and a .942 OPS in 22 games with San Diego, making it a near certainty that the Padres will pick up his option for next season."
RAMON LAUREANO GRAND SLAM.
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) August 27, 2025
THE. MAN. CANT. STOP. HITTING.
pic.twitter.com/WwfPBu6Jmu
On the day the Padres traded for Laureano, he was asked what he brings to the Padres. Laureano's response was, "I can bring just a human being that wants to win," and that's exactly what the outfielder has done.
Laureano has been the best hitter in the Padres lineup since he arrived, and it's really not even close. His BA, OPS, and six home runs lead the team and he's second to Manny Machado with his 20 RBI.
While the All-Stars incredible run may not be sustainable, anything remotely close would be worth the Padres spending $6.5 million on in 2026.