Padres Looking to Lower Payroll Next Season, Possibly to Under 200M

Just about a year after the San Diego Padres decided to go all-in by signing shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract, the team is living with the consequences. It's not just the signing of Bogaerts, but the reckless spending from the organization over the last few seasons. 

The front office decided to push their chips in to compete for a World Series title, but it has backfired on them. The team reached the NLCS once, and now we are seeing San Diego cut back on spending and salary owed. 

These payroll cuts have seen them reluctantly trade away star outfielder Juan Soto this offseason, and not retain multiple starting pitchers from the 2023 staff. While the offseason just got started, it's already been a very tough one for the Friars.

Padres insider Dennis Lin of The Athletic is reporting that the club may be looking to get their payroll under 200 million for next season. They continue to be in cost-saving mode this winter.

"According to people briefed on the club’s thinking, the Padres might be inclined to open next season with a payroll that is more than a little lower than $200 million, a number that has been widely reported as a rough target."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

San Diego has no interest in paying the luxury tax for another year in a row, and they will be penalized heavily if they do. Resetting the tax line is the goal of the organization, but the tricky part for them is that they are still trying to be competitive. 

"Doing so would help with another potential objective. Team officials have recently indicated they would prefer to stay under Major League Baseball’s $237 million luxury tax threshold in 2024."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

With the likes of Bogaerts, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. still on the roster, the Padres have to be trying to win. They have multiple players locked up on long-term expensive deals, which have hampered their spending.

This is not the ideal place for any team to be in, but the Padres are trying to manage it as best they can. They are living with the results of their actions, and it's caused them to lose a lot of talent this winter.