SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres runs to first base after connecting for a two run walkoff homerun to defeat the New York Yankees in the tenth inning of a game at Petco Park on September 04, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at Petco Park on September 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) Getty
Yankees could make some big changes this offseason. Getty
The New York Yankees are in an odd predicament behind the plate.
Austin Wells struggled offensively for much of his 2026 campaign, which could prompt the organization to find support.
One option is to shop the trade market, with a focus on the San Diego Padres.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres runs to first base after connecting for a two run walkoff homerun to defeat the New York Yankees in the tenth inning of a game at Petco Park on September 04, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
According to Stephen Parello of FanSided , New York should ship 28-year-old starter Luis Gil to San Diego in exchange for 28-year-old catcher Luis Campusano .
"Campusano played in just 71 games and missed time with a fractured toe, but he did hit .265/.363/.433 with eight homers," he wrote. "He's always hit well in the minors, and there's a chance that this is more reflective of his true talent than the .240/.294/.372 career line that he entered 2026 with.
"The Padres might not be convinced that his breakout was for real, though, as he struggled down the stretch, hitting just .215/.292/.369 in September. Even more, they could simply decide that betting on Gil fills a bigger need for their club than holding onto the option-less Campusano does."
Considering the Wells' dilemma, bringing Campusano aboard wouldn't be a bad pursuit.
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 06: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at Petco Park on September 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
As for Gil, during his 2026 campaign, he registered a 4.61 ERA and 17 strikeouts across 27.1 innings pitched through nine games, starting four.
He walked 18 batters.
Campusano would be an upgrade at the plate, and using Gil as a trade chip could play out in New York's favor.
GettyST. PETERSBURG, FL – APRIL 10: Luis Gil #81 of the New York Yankees throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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