May 19, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Nick Solak (46) at the batting cage before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.Anthony ArroyoThu, January 15, 2026 at 12:46 AM UTC·2 min readSAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The San Diego Padres have signed infielder/outfielder Nick Solak and left-handed pitcher Omar Cruz to minor league contracts, according to Baseball America’s Matt Eddy.
Both players are expected to receive invitations to major league camp, providing the organization with additional depth as spring training approaches.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSolak, 31, brings prior major league experience after spending parts of four seasons with the Texas Rangers from 2019 through 2022. During that stretch, he logged 974 plate appearances and posted a .252/.327/.372 slash line, production that graded slightly below league average. While he demonstrated on-base ability, his limited power output and defensive versatility made it difficult for him to secure a long-term role at the big league level.
Defensively, Solak has appeared at first base, second base, third base, and in the outfield, though advanced metrics and evaluations have generally rated him below average across those positions. As a result, his offensive contributions needed to be more impactful to offset his glove, something that never fully materialized in the majors.
At the Triple-A level, however, Solak has continued to be productive. Last season in the Pirates’ system, he delivered strong offensive numbers across 482 plate appearances, posting a .332/.411/.492 line with solid plate discipline.
While some of that production was aided by a high batting average on balls in play, it nonetheless reinforced his reputation as a reliable minor league hitter. Solak briefly appeared in four major league games with Pittsburgh before being removed from the 40-man roster, as he no longer had minor league options remaining.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA right-handed bat, Solak has historically fared better against left-handed pitching, giving him potential utility as a platoon or bench option if he forces his way into consideration. For now, he adds position-player depth without occupying a roster spot.
Cruz, who turns 27 later this month, returns to the organization after making his major league debut with San Diego last season. He appeared in limited action, working 3 2/3 innings and striking out five. The Padres non-tendered Cruz at the deadline, briefly sending him to free agency before bringing him back on a non-roster deal.
Originally developed as a starter, Cruz has transitioned between roles throughout his minor league career. He found success as a reliever in 2024, showing increased strikeout rates, before being stretched back out last season. His results were mixed, and he eventually returned to the bullpen at Triple-A.
Whether Cruz remains in relief or is given another opportunity to start remains undecided. Either way, he provides left-handed pitching depth and remains optionable if he earns another look at the major league level.
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