Cowgill signed a minor league contract with the Padres on Tuesday, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
He joins Jabari Blash, Nick Buss, and Rafael Ortega in the competition for a reserve outfield spot. Cowgill spent most of 2016 with Triple-A Columbus as part of the Cleveland organization, where he slashed .234/.311/.320. He's a long shot to make the roster out of spring training and is likely bound for the minors.