Currently, there are no rock-solid long-term free agent catchers in the market this offseason. While that may hurt some teams, it's actually good news for the San Diego Padres.
Right now, the Friars have to wait for their top prospect Ethan Salas to develop in the minor leagues before he becomes the every day option. This gives the organization some liberties to piece together short-term fixes at catcher. Freddy Fermin was formidable as a trade acquisition this past season to fill the gaps in production from Elias Diaz, Martin Maldonado, and Luis Campusano. But, Fermin is a bridge, not a cornerstone player for the Padres.