Despite their late-season surge, the San Diego Padres are having one of the most disappointing campaigns in all of MLB. And these catastrophic results will have consequences.
Indeed, according to what certain sources told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Californian team plans to reduce its payroll by more than 50 million dollars, going from 253 to around 200 million dollars.
The Padres’ payroll in 2023 was the third highest in the Majors behind the Yankees and the New York Mets, two other teams that greatly disappointed during the current campaign.
Even though the Padres’ revenues have doubled since 2018, that’s no reason to spend recklessly.
And some protagonists risk paying the price, starting with the favorite for the Cy Young trophy, Blake Snell, as well as the star reliever Josh Hader, who will be free as air at the end of the season.
In the case of Snell, following a very high caliber season, the Padres will not be able to afford his services and think about reducing their payroll at the same time.
As for Hader, other personnel movements this winter will remain to be seen, which could allow him to regain his place in the Californian enclosure.
Speaking of personnel movements, the one that could attract attention is a possible transaction involving outfielder Juan Soto, who will see his contract end after the 2024 campaign and who could pay big dividends during the off-season.
We already know that he will not be back with the Padres in 2025, so the latter must take advantage of the fact that his value is at its highest right now.
Regardless, the next few months will be very busy in San Diego.
