Padres catcher Luis Campusano charged with felony marijuana possession

Luis Campusano was busted for marijuana in Georgia.

The San Diego Padres might end up starting top prospect Luis Campusano as the team’s everyday catcher, as his bat might be enough to convince Jayce Tingler that he’s the better option offensively when compared to Austin Nola. However, Campusano’s behavior has gotten him into a world of trouble with both the Padres and the long arm of the law.

Campusano was charged with possessing 79 grams of marijuana in Georgia, which is a felony. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune confirmed that in California, possession of 79 grams is only a misdemeanor that would likely lead to a small jail sentence or a $500 fine. However, in Georgia, possession of more than one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana is a felony and can lead to 10 years in prison.

The Padres have high hopes for Luis Campusano

Campusano is MLB.com’s 46th-ranked prospect, and the fourth-best prospect in San Diego’s system. While his bat is what will get him to the major leagues and carry him throughout his career, Campusano has drawn rave reviews for his rocket arm and ability to call a game behind home plate.

Campusano, who didn’t even play above Class-A ball with the Lake Elsinore Storm, was lucky enough to make his MLB debut this season against the Oakland Athletics, as he went 1-3 with an opposite-field home run serving as his first career hit. It’s easy to see why San Diego is so excited about his potential given his ability at the dish.

The Padres clearly have high hopes for Campusano considering their fluid catcher situation, but this criminal charge against him is going to be, in the eyes of the Padres’ front office, a major black eye they will have to reckon with before the 2021 season starts.