Padres News: Nick Ahmed signs with Padres as defensive depth amid injuries

Nick Ahmed has joined the San Diego Padres on a minor league contract, marking his fourth team in the National League West in just two years. The former Dodgers shortstop was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last season after a lengthy tenure with the team, where he played 888 games from 2014 to 2023.

Before signing with the Padres, Ahmed had a brief stint with the San Francisco Giants this season. He struggled at the plate, posting a .232 batting average with one home run over 172 plate appearances before being released in July. The Dodgers picked him up when injuries sidelined Miguel Rojas and Mookie Betts, and Ahmed made an immediate impact, hitting a home run in his debut against the Giants. However, he was designated for assignment after starting 14 games, finishing with a .229 average in 49 plate appearances.

Throughout the season, Ahmed has combined his performances with the Giants and Dodgers to achieve a .232 batting average across 221 plate appearances. Known primarily for his defensive skills, he earned two Gold Glove awards during his time with the Diamondbacks.

With the Padres, Ahmed will provide depth at shortstop, especially as Ha-Seong Kim is currently on the injured list with shoulder issues. The Padres have been using Tyler Wade and Mason McCoy in Kim's absence, and Ahmed's signing offers additional options for the team.

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Importantly, Ahmed is eligible to participate in the postseason for San Diego, having signed before the September 1 deadline. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2011, he was traded to Arizona, where he became the first player in franchise history to spend ten seasons with the team. His best offensive season came in 2019, when he hit 19 home runs and drove in 82 runs.