The San Diego Padres have signed veteran infielder Jose Iglesias to a minor league contract, as reported by multiple sources. Iglesias, 35, will join the Padres' major league camp with the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last season, Iglesias had a stellar year with the New York Mets, posting a .337 batting average with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 85 games. His impressive performance helped the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. Despite his success, the Mets did not retain him, leading to his new opportunity with the Padres.
Iglesias brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Padres' infield. Over his 12-year career, he has played multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base. With a career batting average of .283, Iglesias is known for his consistent hitting and solid defense. As he joins the Padres, Iglesias will look to make an impact and secure a spot on the major league roster, adding depth and experience to the team's infield options.
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San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has entered a management deal with Rimas Sports, the agency co-owned by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Announced on Tuesday, Rimas Sports will oversee Tatis's marketing, brand relations, and other services, with the aim of expanding his portfolio as an athlete, businessman, and philanthropist. The agency, which also represents prominent players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Ezequiel Tovar, and Francisco Alvarez, boasts a partnership between Bad Bunny and executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda.
While Rimas Sports is prohibited from negotiating player contracts with teams, it is authorized to strike marketing deals with athletes. Tatis, who signed a $340 million, 14-year contract with the Padres in 2021 through MVP Sports, looks to leverage this new partnership to enhance his presence both on and off the field. The collaboration with Rimas Sports marks an exciting new chapter for Tatis as he continues to build his brand beyond baseball. The San Diego Padres have signed left-handed pitcher Wes Benjamin to a minor league contract, including a non-roster invite to MLB Spring Training. Benjamin, 31, returns to the United States after a three-year stint in South Korea with the KT Wiz, where he posted a 3.74 ERA over 400 innings. Despite a challenging 2024 season with a 4.63 ERA, Benjamin's consistent strikeout rate and experience make him a valuable addition to the Padres' pitching depth. Before his time in Korea, Benjamin spent eight years in the Texas Rangers organization, making 21 major league appearances between 2020 and 2021. The Padres are optimistic that Benjamin can provide reliable rotation depth as he competes for a spot on the major league roster.
Benjamin's journey has been marked by perseverance and adaptability. After being drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he faced ups and downs in his career, including a near-6.00 ERA in Triple-A and a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox's top affiliate in 2022. His move to the KBO allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience. Now, with the Padres, Benjamin has the opportunity to showcase his talent and contribute to the team's success. As spring training progresses, his performance will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, and fans will be eager to see if he can make a successful return to the majors. The San Diego Padres are reportedly leaning toward keeping starting pitcher Dylan Cease, despite ongoing trade speculation. Cease has drawn interest from teams like the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, but the Padres value his presence in their rotation alongside Yu Darvish, Nick Pivetta, and Michael King. With his strong strikeout ability and team control, Cease remains a key piece for San Diego as they look to stay competitive in a tough division. While trade discussions have been ongoing, the team seems more inclined to hold onto him for now.
Meanwhile, closer Robert Suárez appears to be a more realistic trade candidate. The veteran reliever has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Chicago Cubs, as contenders look to bolster their bullpens before the season. Suárez’s contract includes an opt-out after the upcoming season, which could push the Padres to move him rather than risk losing him in free agency. While the team’s final decision remains uncertain, it seems increasingly likely that Suárez, rather than Cease, could be the one on the move before Opening Day. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart has signed with the San Diego Padres following an outstanding 2024 season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Hart, 32, impressed in South Korea, posting a 13-3 record with a 2.69 ERA and leading the league with 182 strikeouts in 157 innings. His performance earned him the prestigious Choi Dong-won Award, which is given to the KBO's best pitcher, solidifying his reputation as one of the top arms in the league.
Hart, originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2016, has spent much of his career in the minor leagues, with brief appearances in MLB in 2020. His success in the KBO has caught the attention of multiple MLB teams, and the Padres have secured his services for the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. The financial details of the contract have not been disclosed, but Hart’s return to the big leagues marks a major milestone in his career. The San Diego Padres have signed pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract, adding a strong arm to their rotation. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and is backloaded, with Pivetta earning $1 million in 2025, followed by $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. Additionally, the contract includes opt-out clauses after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, offering Pivetta flexibility during his time with the team.
Pivetta, 32, joins the Padres after spending the past four and a half seasons with the Boston Red Sox. In 2024, he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA, recording 172 strikeouts over 145 2/3 innings. Throughout his career, Pivetta has compiled a 56-71 record with a 4.76 ERA across 223 games. He will join a Padres pitching rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Michael King, filling a crucial spot while Joe Musgrove is out for the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. |
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