Padres Sign Power-Hitting Catcher Christopher Sargent
Christopher Sargent was no stranger to the spotlight during his amateur career. A native of Alabama, he earned preseason third-team All-America honors while playing for Southern Mississippi — a respected Division I program that has produced 25 MLB players, including four currently active.
Despite hitting 14 home runs in 2023, Sargent went undrafted and signed with the Ogden Raptors of the independent Pioneer League for the 2024 season. There, he posted strong numbers, slashing .316/.372/.542 with 19 home runs and 95 RBIs across 91 games.
Still without a contract heading into 2025, Sargent returned to Ogden and elevated his game even further. At the time of his signing with the Padres on Wednesday, he was hitting a blistering .384/.443/.741 with 35 home runs and 130 RBIs in just 80 games. The Padres signed him to a minor league deal and assigned him to Double-A San Antonio.
Sargent made an immediate impact in his debut, starting behind the plate and batting ninth. He launched a two-run homer in the seventh inning, giving San Antonio key insurance runs in a 14-11 win over the Frisco RoughRiders.
His hot bat carried over from an explosive July in Ogden, where he was named Pioneer League Player of the Month after batting .440 with a .517 OBP and a .910 slugging percentage. In 24 games that month, he racked up 44 hits, including 13 home runs and 38 RBIs. His 130 RBIs led the league, while his 35 homers and 261 total bases both ranked second.
“Sarge is one of the most talented players I’ve seen — a true dual-threat catcher,” said Ogden manager Evan Parker in an Instagram post announcing Sargent’s new opportunity. “I love this kid and couldn’t be happier for him.”
While Sargent played primarily first base in college, where he hit .249 with 51 home runs and 161 RBIs over 191 games, he’s now being given a shot to prove himself as a catcher.
The Missions were in need of a backstop after Eli Wilson — son of Mariners manager Dan Wilson — was moved to the development list. Wilson had been hitting .182 in seven games since being acquired from the Pirates earlier this month.
Though questions may remain about his defense behind the plate, Sargent’s bat is already speaking volumes.
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