Elias Díaz, the MVP of the 2023 All-Star Game, signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on August 27, following his release by the Colorado Rockies earlier in the month. The 33-year-old catcher had made headlines with his clutch two-run homer in the eighth inning of last season's All-Star Game, which secured a 3-2 victory for the National League.

During the 2023 season, Díaz batted .270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 84 games for the Rockies. Known for his strong game management skills behind the plate, Díaz is expected to be a valuable addition to the Padres, who have been using Kyle Higashioka and Luis Campusano as their primary catchers. Díaz's defensive expertise is anticipated to be a significant upgrade, particularly over Campusano.

Before joining the Padres, Díaz reportedly declined offers from the San Francisco Giants, who were unable to guarantee him a spot on the roster once their starting catcher, Patrick Bailey, returns from an oblique injury.

In his 10-year Major League Baseball career, Díaz has played in 712 games, hitting .252 with 61 home runs and 294 RBIs. He previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2015-2019) and the Colorado Rockies (2020-2024).

In addition to signing Díaz, the Padres made other roster moves, including recalling right-hander Randy Vasquez from Triple-A El Paso. Vasquez earned a win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night, allowing two runs over six innings in his 18th start of the season, bringing his record to 4-6 with a 4.52 ERA. Meanwhile, right-hander Lake Bachar, who was recalled to assist the bullpen, was optioned back to Triple-A without appearing in Sunday's game against the New York Mets.