 The San Diego Padres are seeking to "lower financial commitments while adding talent," as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. Last year's payroll was around $169 million, and while the team is open to increasing this figure, they aim to keep it below the current projection of $210 million.
To achieve this balance, the Padres may need to trade a valuable player to receive a mix of cheaper talent in return, similar to their strategy last year when they traded Juan Soto. This time, the spotlight is on Dylan Cease. Cease, a 28-year-old right-hander, is set to become a free agent after next season. In his first year with the Padres in 2024, he posted a solid 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA (118 ERA+), a 1.07 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts over 189 1/3 innings. His performance makes him a valuable asset, and trading him could help the Padres acquire promising, cost-effective players while managing their payroll more effectively.
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 Infielder Luis Arráez is one year away from hitting free agency. While Arráez has expressed a willingness to sign an extension, nothing concrete has materialized. According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the San Diego Padres have "not yet engaged in serious extension talks" with Arráez. However, the absence of extension talks doesn't necessarily rule out future negotiations. Typically, teams prioritize player acquisitions during this part of the offseason, leaving contract extensions closer to spring training. Despite this, Lin reports that there is some debate within the San Diego front office regarding Arráez's value, which may impact the likelihood of extension discussions gaining momentum. Budgetary concerns also play a significant role in the Padres' decision-making process. The team was one of the most aggressive spenders in baseball under owner Peter Seidler, who passed away in September 2023. However, this spending spree was unsustainable, as reports emerged about the Padres' non-compliance with MLB's debt service ratio regulations. The Padres had committed substantial funds to players like Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove, and Yu Darvish, among others. As they invested heavily in reshaping their image from a small-market team to a contender, their revenue took a hit due to the collapse of their TV deal with Diamond Sports Group. Given these financial constraints and internal debates about Arráez's value, the path to a contract extension remains uncertain. While Arráez's performance on the field makes him a valuable asset, the Padres must carefully navigate their budget and long-term plans to determine the best course of action.  One year removed from a transformative offseason where the Padres significantly altered their franchise's direction by trading superstar Juan Soto to the Yankees and cutting payroll, San Diego once again faces financial challenges. As they head into 2025, the Padres aim to maintain their payroll at 2024 levels. According to RosterResource, that means a budget of $169 million and a luxury tax payroll below the first threshold of $241 million for 2025. However, achieving this budget is easier said than done, with projections indicating a payroll just under $210 million and a luxury tax payroll of $244 million.
To meet their financial targets, the Padres likely need to reduce payroll by approximately $40 million this offseason. Despite these cuts, the team hopes to make additions, particularly a starter to join Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Yu Darvish, and fill gaps left by departed players Jurickson Profar, David Peralta, and Donovan Solano. This balancing act leaves the Padres' front office in a tricky situation. The Arraez Dilemma One potential solution lies in parting with Luis Arraez. Acquired in May, the 27-year-old impressed with a .318/.346/.398 slash line and earned his third consecutive batting title. Arraez is a contact-hitting savant, reducing his already low strikeout rate to an astonishing 3.4% with the Padres. His ability to reliably put the bat on the ball makes him an attractive asset, evidenced by significant trades involving him by both the Marlins and the Padres in recent years. However, Arraez's flaws—declining walk rate, lack of power, and subpar defense—have tempered his value. In 2024, his walk rate was just 3.6%, and his ISO was .078, ranking near the bottom among major league hitters. His thumb injury might have affected his power, but even his career-high .115 ISO with the Marlins was still low. Given these issues, it's understandable why previous teams have been willing to trade him. Potential Trade and Financial Relief Trading Arraez could be the simplest way for the Padres to slash payroll. With a projected arbitration salary of $14.6 million, moving Arraez would reduce the payroll to around $195 million. Replacing him at first base could be manageable with available veterans like Josh Bell, Ty France, or Anthony Rizzo, potentially saving the Padres $10-12 million and addressing other roster needs. Extension as an Alternative Alternatively, the Padres could explore an extension with Arraez, who has expressed openness to a deal. The Padres have a history of negotiating contracts that provide immediate financial flexibility while offering players long-term security, such as recent extensions with Darvish and Manny Machado. A back-loaded deal or lower AAV over a longer term could help the Padres manage their payroll. For instance, a six-year, $60 million deal with a $10 million AAV could save approximately $4.6 million in luxury tax calculations for 2025. Structuring it with a $5 million salary in the first year followed by $11 million annually could save nearly $10 million in 2025 payroll compared to Arraez's arbitration salary. Weighing the Options While an extension could alleviate immediate financial pressure, it may simply defer the problem to the following season when Arraez's salary increases. Additionally, Arraez might prefer to test the free-agent market rather than lock in a long-term deal with a relatively low annual salary. Conclusion The Padres face a complex financial puzzle as they prepare for the 2025 season. Whether through trading Luis Arraez or negotiating an extension, the team must navigate its budget constraints while aiming to remain competitive. The decisions made this offseason will have significant implications for the Padres' roster and payroll management in the years to come.  The San Diego Padres have signed outfielder Oscar González to a minor league contract, as noted on his transactions tracker atMLB.com.González, 27, has been assigned to Triple-A El Paso, with an expected invitation to major league spring training.
Early Career and Breakout with Guardians González made his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, showcasing promising potential by hitting 11 home runs in 91 games. He posted a .296/.327/.461 batting line, translating to a 123 wRC+ despite a low 3.9% walk rate. His strikeout rate was a manageable 19.6%. González quickly became a fan favorite, known for his unique choice of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song as his walk-up music and hitting a memorable walk-off home run in the Wild Card round against the Rays. Struggles in 2023 However, González's performance declined in 2023. His strikeout rate increased to 25.6% while his walk rate dropped to 2.8%. With just two home runs in 54 games, his offensive output fell to a .214/.239/.312 slash line and a wRC+ of 48. Given his defensive limitations, these offensive struggles significantly impacted his value to the team. ]Transition and Recent Performance Following the 2023 season, the Guardians placed González on waivers, leading to a brief stint with the New York Yankees, who later passed him through waivers before the 2024 campaign. In Triple-A, González managed to have a decent season despite injury interruptions. Over 78 games, he hit eight home runs with a .294/.333/.469 batting line and a 106 wRC+ for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.  Today marks the beginning of the Padres' annual Holiday Giving Tour, a cherished tradition where the team dedicates several weeks to supporting local organizations that aid underserved communities. This year’s tour promises to be especially meaningful as it pays tribute to the late owner Peter Seidler, whose philanthropic efforts have left an enduring impact on the community.
Giving Back: The First Steps The Holiday Giving Tour kicks off with a Turkey Distribution event for 1,000 families. In partnership with Northgate Market and the San Diego Food Bank, the Padres will distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving essentials. Notable figures such as right-handed pitcher Jeremiah Estrada, broadcaster Mark Grant, and CEO Erik Greupner will be present to support the cause. Extending Throughout the Region The tour will continue throughout the month, reaching various parts of San Diego and the Baja region. This initiative aligns with the Padres’ long-standing commitment to giving back, a legacy that Seidler greatly advanced. Honoring a Beloved Owner Peter Seidler, who would have turned 64 earlier this month, was deeply involved in combating homelessness through various foundations, both connected to the Padres and independently. In his honor, the team organized a special initiative on his birthday, November 7th, where front office employees assembled care packages and distributed them to homeless-focused charities in San Diego. "We're trying to honor him today by supporting several local organizations that minister to the needs of the unhoused, which was a cause that was near and dear to Peter's heart," said Greupner in a heartfelt video posted by the Padres. "He spent a lot of time and resources devoted to that. So we want to carry on his legacy and tradition—not only this year but for the years to come, to continue to do the things that Peter did to help support the most vulnerable in our community." Continuing Seidler’s Mission Seidler’s dedication to addressing homelessness was unparalleled. He was actively involved in the city of San Diego’s leadership council for its homelessness reduction plan and supported numerous organizations seeking solutions to homelessness. His contributions earned him recognition as the 2022 San Diegan of the Year by The San Diego Union-Tribune and the 2023 Herb Klein Spirit of San Diego Award by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Padres’ Holiday Giving Tour not only reflects Seidler's generous spirit but also reinforces the team's commitment to community service, ensuring his legacy of compassion and support continues to thrive.  The San Diego Padres have added some depth to their first base situation by signing veteran minor leaguer Trenton Brooks to a minor league deal.
Brooks, a 29-year-old lefty hitter, boasts a strong track record in the minors. He's known for his impressive plate discipline, with a career minor league walk rate of 13.8% and a strikeout rate of 16.4% over the past four seasons. While his home run production hasn't been prolific (55 homers in four years), he consistently puts the ball in play and gets on base at a good clip (.383 on-base percentage). Despite his minor league success, Brooks' major league experience has been limited. He received a brief stint with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, struggling offensively in a small sample size (12 games, .120 batting average). The Padres already have established options at first base in Luis Arráez and Jake Cronenworth. However, Cronenworth might be needed at second base if Xander Bogaerts returns to shortstop with Ha-Seong Kim leaving via free agency. Additionally, the Padres are lacking a designated hitter, potentially opening a spot for another bat in the lineup. The signing of Brooks provides the Padres with several benefits:
While Brooks has yet to find his footing at the major league level, his strong minor league track record and positive attributes make him an intriguing gamble for the Padres. If he can overcome his struggles and demonstrate success in San Diego, he could find himself contributing significantly to the team's lineup. It remains to be seen if Brooks can earn a call-up to the majors, but the Padres are giving him a chance to compete and potentially solidify a spot on the roster. The San Diego Padres have strengthened their roster by adding left-hander Omar Cruz and right-handers Henry Baez and Ryan Bergert. These additions come as part of their preparations for the Rule 5 Draft, bringing the Padres' 40-man roster to 37 players.
Omar Cruz, 25, originally signed with the Padres out of Mexico in 2018 and was traded to the Pirates in the Joe Musgrove deal in January 2021. He returned to the Padres last winter through the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. This season, Cruz split his time between Double-A and Triple-A, primarily working out of the bullpen. At Double-A, he posted a solid 3.59 ERA with an impressive 35.4% strikeout rate over 47 2/3 innings, earning him a promotion to Triple-A. Despite a 4.42 ERA in the challenging Pacific Coast League, Cruz maintained a 28.7% strikeout rate, albeit with a 13.8% walk rate. The Padres see potential in Cruz and added him to the roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Henry Baez, 22, signed with the Padres out of the Dominican Republic and made his professional debut in 2021. He primarily served as a starter and had a breakout season in 2024. After struggling in High-A last year, Baez bounced back with a 2.95 ERA in 17 starts for the Fort Wayne TinCaps. His success continued at Double-A, where he posted a 3.06 ERA in nine starts, despite a drop in his strikeout rate to 15.1% over 50 innings. Baez's overall performance earned him a spot on the 40-man roster. Ryan Bergert, 24, had an impressive 2023 season, pitching to a 2.73 ERA over 105 2/3 innings split between High-A and Double-A, with a 28.8% strikeout rate at the latter. However, he struggled in 2024, recording a 4.78 ERA over 98 innings with a reduced strikeout rate of 20.9%. Despite his challenges in the Arizona Fall League, the Padres see promise in Bergert's capabilities and added him to the roster. These strategic additions underscore the Padres' commitment to nurturing their pitching talent and preparing for future success. As Cruz, Baez, and Bergert continue their development, fans will be eager to see how these young arms contribute to the team's performance in the coming seasons. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres kicked off the 2024 MLB season with an exciting game on March 20, 2024, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The Dodgers emerged victorious with a 5-2 win over the Padres in the season opener.
Game Summary The Padres took an early lead, scoring two runs in the fourth inning. However, the Dodgers staged a remarkable comeback in the eighth inning, scoring four runs to take the lead. Shohei Ohtani played a crucial role in the rally, driving in a run with a single. The Padres' first baseman, Jake Cronenworth, committed a costly error that allowed the Dodgers to capitalize and secure the win. Key Performances
Betting Odds The Dodgers were favored to win with odds of -200, while the Padres were underdogs at +166. The over/under for total runs scored was set at 8.52. Box Score Highlights
Conclusion The Dodgers' comeback victory in the season opener sets an exciting tone for the rest of the season. With key performances from new additions like Ohtani and Hernández, the Dodgers look poised for a strong season ahead. The Padres, despite the loss, showed resilience and will be looking to bounce back in the next game. In a pretty cool turn from the playing field to the media world, Veteran 1B Eric Hosmer has announced he is stepping away from playing baseball and moving into the world of reporting/talking baseball.
The Diggin' Deep Podcast has been launched and is on YouTube. Hosmer, 34, played 13 seasons for San Diego, Toronto, Boston and the Cubs. He finishes with a .276 average, 198 HR and 893 RBI. |