Jun 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Pablo Reyes (19) follows through on an RBI ground out during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – The Padres added another layer of depth to their infield mix this week, signing veteran utility man Pablo Reyes to a minor league deal, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America. The 32-year-old, represented by Klutch Sports, is expected to receive an invitation to major league spring training.
Reyes brings seven seasons of big league experience, carving out a career as a versatile defender and bench option. Across 259 MLB games and 606 plate appearances, he has posted a .245/.305/.342 slash line with 14 stolen bases. His production has typically ticked up against left-handed pitching, where he owns a .272/.325/.418 line.
His defensive flexibility is the primary appeal. Reyes has logged at least 150 innings at second base, shortstop, and third base, along with time in both corner-outfield spots. He has also filled in briefly at first base, center field, and even pitched five innings in mop-up duty. That kind of utility profile gives San Diego another movable piece heading into camp.
Last season, Reyes signed a minor league deal with the Yankees and made their Opening Day roster. He spent nearly three months with the club but saw limited action, appearing in 25 games—mostly as a late-inning defensive replacement—and hitting .194 with a .242 on-base percentage. New York designated him for assignment in June, after which he joined the Mets on a minor league contract. Reyes finished the year strong at Triple-A Syracuse, batting .289/.385/.484 over the final months of the season.
The Padres enter 2026 with a projected infield of Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth, and Gavin Sheets. Their outfield mix includes Ramón Laureano, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Bench and depth options on the 40-man roster include Mason McCoy, Will Wagner, Tirso Ornelas, and Bryce Johnson, though several of them have minor league options and could begin the year with Triple-A El Paso.
Reyes will head into spring training aiming to win a reserve role. If he does make the major league roster, he would have to stick—he is out of minor league options.
