San Diego Shocker: Padres Predicted to Part Ways with $46 Million All-Star Despite…
The San Diego Padres are loaded with talent but could there be some big subtractions on the way?
San Diego had to trim payroll last offseason and cut ties with both Blake Snell and Juan Soto. The Padres still were able to rack up 93 wins in the regular season and finish just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West standings.
It wouldn’t be too shocking to see the club look to lower payroll a little further this offseason. FanSided’s Tim Smart suggested this could end up being the case and mentioned All-Star Robert Suarez as a possible option to be moved.
“This offseason has been a strange one for the Padres,” Smart said. “They’re clearly struggling with the loss of their RSN contract while rumors were swirling at the Winter Meetings last week about AJ Preller and his willingness to move at least one, if not multiple, top players this winter. The Friars dipped below the first payroll tax threshold in 2024 and recent comments suggest they’ll look to remain below the $241 million mark in 2025 as well…
“One other guy who could potentially move is Robert Suarez. It might seem wild to trade this team’s closer, who’s coming off a year with 36 saves and a 2.77 ERA. However, now might be the perfect time to move Suarez if they can find an interested partner. Suarez had an elevated 3.49 FIP last year and is due $10 million in 2025. He has an opt-out after next season as well, so he’s likely an impending free agent.”
Suarez looked like a true star in 2024. He earned his first All-Star nod in his third big league season and had a 2.77 ERA across 65 outings. Suarez also logged a 59-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 65 innings pitched with 36 saves in his first season as the team’s closer.
