The San Diego Padres are known for their creative and cost-effective contract strategies, and this season is no different. With a focus on finding value in unexpected places, the team has made some intriguing moves to bolster their roster.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Padres' approach to building their team has been a key factor in their success, but it also raises some interesting questions about the future.
Let's dive into the details and explore how the Padres are making it work with their unique contract tactics.
The Value of Creative Contracts
In 2025, the Padres signed Nick Pivetta to a $4 million contract, and he delivered a performance worth an estimated $30 million on the free agent market. That's an incredible return on investment! Similarly, Jurickson Profar's $2.5 million contract in 2024 provided immense value to the team.
Without Profar's contributions, the Padres likely wouldn't have achieved their 93-win season in 2024, and Pivetta's 31 starts on the mound were crucial to their 90-win campaign in the previous season.
However, the team's success isn't solely dependent on these core players. The Padres have consistently relied on difference-makers who came at a bargain price and stepped up when needed.
Recent Acquisitions and Their Impact
Over the past few days, the Padres have been busy adding some key players to their 2026 roster. They've signed starting pitchers Walker Buehler, Griffin Canning, and Germán Márquez, as well as position players Nick Castellanos and Ty France. The total commitment for these acquisitions is less than $10.4 million, which is an impressive feat.
Castellanos, for instance, is earning the MLB minimum of $780,000, with the Phillies covering the remainder of his $20 million contract for 2026. Canning and Márquez have guaranteed salaries of $2.5 million and $1.75 million, respectively. France and Buehler are non-roster invitees, with potential earnings of $1.35 million and $1.5 million, respectively, if they make the big-league roster.
While these new additions may not all make it to the Padres' lineup this season, they represent a strategic move to find value in the market. Although they might not provide the same exponential value as Pivetta or Profar, they are not mere long shots either.
The Financial Strategy Behind the Moves
The Padres' cost-conscious approach is a result of their splurges in 2021, 2022, and 2023. To manage their finances, the team has utilized creative contract structures, including deferring portions of one-year deals via buyouts on mutual options.
For example, Michael King and Elias Díaz's contracts in 2024 had significant portions deferred, and outfielder Miguel Andujar's $4 million guarantee for this season includes a buyout on a mutual option.
Pivetta's four-year, $55 million contract, signed last February, was also structured to save the Padres money in 2025. He received a $3 million signing bonus and a $1 million base salary last year, with his salary jumping to $19 million this season. The final two years of the contract are worth $32 million, but Pivetta is expected to exercise his player option after this season.
The Impact on Team Leadership
The success of these creative contracts has been a significant factor in A.J. Preller, the president of baseball operations, retaining his job and recently receiving a contract extension that will keep him with the Padres until at least 2028.
Preller credits his assistant general manager, Josh Stein, for his resourcefulness and ability to navigate the complex world of contract negotiations. Stein's understanding of the rules and roster construction, combined with his knowledge of baseball, has been instrumental in securing these deals.
Preller's extension was kept confidential at his request, as he wanted to avoid the public discussion of his contract status, which had been a topic of conversation leading up to the agreement with team chairman John Seidler.
Ty France's Opportunity
Ty France, who signed a minor-league deal and joined camp earlier this week, has an opportunity to make an impact with the Padres. Last season, he established himself as a solid first baseman, even winning the Gold Glove in the American League.
However, with the presence of Gavin Sheets, Miguel Andujar, and Nick Castellanos also vying for the first base position, France faces stiff competition.
France, a right-handed hitter, has primarily played first base over the past four seasons, but he began his career with the Padres as a jack-of-all-trades infielder. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions could be a valuable asset for the team.
Notable Updates
- Right-hander Jhony Brito, who underwent surgery to repair his flexor tendon and attach an internal UCL brace in May, has started throwing from the mound. He could begin the season in the minor leagues and be a valuable addition to the Padres' bullpen soon after. Brito, 28, was placed on the 60-day IL to make room for Márquez.
- Outfielder Tirso Ornelas, a native of Tijuana, was designated for assignment to create space for Canning. Ornelas made his big-league debut last season, recording one hit in 16 at-bats.
The Padres' approach to building their roster is a testament to their creativity and financial savvy. By finding value in unexpected places and utilizing unique contract structures, they've assembled a competitive team. While the future is uncertain, the Padres' success so far is a credit to their innovative strategies.
