Connor Joe returns to his roots by signing a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. The San Diego native, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, had a lackluster season with a .228 batting average, nine home runs, and 36 RBIs in 123 games. Joe, proficient in multiple positions including first base and both outfield spots, brings versatility to the Padres' roster.

Throughout his career, Joe has accumulated a .242 batting average with 35 home runs and 141 RBIs across 438 games, having also played for the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. His big league journey began with the Giants in 2019, and this move marks a significant return to his hometown team.

Connor Joe returns to his hometown, signing a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres. The 32-year-old outfielder and first baseman had a season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he posted a .228 batting average with nine home runs and 36 RBIs across 123 games. Joe, who played college baseball at the University of San Diego, adds versatility to the Padres roster, having played multiple positions in his career.

Throughout his Major League career, Joe has accumulated a .242 batting average with 35 home runs and 141 RBIs in 438 games, previously playing for the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies before his time with the Pirates. His experience will be crucial as the Padres aim to bolster their offensive lineup this season.

Spring training is approaching, yet the MLB landscape is buzzing with trade rumors due to several high-profile free agents still available. The San Diego Padres aim for another postseason run, recently signing outfielders Jason Heyward and Connor Joe as part of a left-field platoon to replace Jurickson Profar, who has joined the Atlanta Braves. Heyward, 35, has struggled lately, while Joe, 32, aims to leverage his solid career numbers against left-handed pitching.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels have made a strategic move in their infield, bringing in Yoán Moncada as their starting third baseman, effectively sidelining Anthony Rendon. Moncada's potential to reclaim his former top-prospect status is overshadowed by injuries that have hampered his production. Rendon's ongoing struggles since a lucrative contract in 2020 highlight the Angels’ need for more consistent performance.

Connor Joe, the versatile former Pittsburgh Pirates player, is set for a San Diego homecoming in 2025, having reportedly reached an agreement with the Padres. Born in San Diego and a former University of San Diego star, Joe was drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. After a tumultuous period that included being non-tendered by the Pirates, Joe's numbers reflected a decline last season compared to previous years. With a .228 batting average and nine home runs, he looks to rejuvenate his career in familiar territory.

Throughout his career, Joe has played multiple positions, including 79 games at first base and 44 in right field last season. Despite a solid start in 2021 with the Rockies, where he achieved a .285 batting average and eight home runs, consistency has eluded him. The Pirates’ decision to part ways with him marked a significant change in his journey after several transactions across multiple teams, including the Giants and Rockies. This new chapter with the Padres offers a fresh start for Joe, who aims to leverage his past experience for a successful comeback.

The MLB Players Inc. has officially withdrawn its lawsuit against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Sheetz Inc. regarding the unauthorized use of players’ names and images on social media platforms. Initially filed on August 14, the lawsuit alleged violations of Pennsylvania law about the unauthorized use of likenesses, among other claims, and sought an injunction along with damages.

Following the announcement of a jersey patch sponsorship deal between the Pirates and Sheetz on June 21, the lawsuit highlighted instances on Instagram, X, and Facebook where the images of several players, including Paul Skenes and Andrew McCutchen, were allegedly misappropriated. A verbal agreement appears to have resolved the dispute, leading to a voluntary dismissal of the case by MLB Players Inc. on December 23.