Despite financial hurdles and a looming sale, the Padres commit nearly $100 million, positioning their 2026 payroll sixth-highest in baseball.
The San Diego Padres’ offseason has been centered around the organization’s financial circumstances, restricting them from being big players to land big-name free agents this winter. A possible sale has been hanging over the Padres’ heads all offseason, and reports indicate there’s even more traction now with spring training just a couple of weeks away.
Following back-to-back seasons of winning at least 90 games, the Padres needed to find a way to remain a competitive team in the National League in 2026 despite not being in the best financial circumstances.
General manager A.J. Preller has a history of working some magic and putting San Diego in the headlines, but that hasn’t been the case this winter. With less than a handful of additions heading into the 2026 campaign, the Padres are faced with an uphill battle in the NL West.
Still, the Padres have spent $96.7 million this offseason. The majority of that chunk came in the form of re-signing right-handed starting pitcher Michael King on a three-year, $75 million contract. It likely won’t end up being played out that way, as King has opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.
It was a necessary move for the Padres, who lost right-hander Dylan Cease in free agency and had a strong need for starting pitching help. King will be making a total of $17 million in the 2026 season after agreeing to a $12 million signing bonus and a $9 million salary. This structure gives the Padres more wiggle room in the immediate future as the franchise looks to smooth out its finances.
They also signed Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song to a four-year, $15 million deal. His deal also contains an opt-out, this time after the third season. San Diego and Song then hold a mutual option for the 2030 season on a $7 million salary.
Song and King are responsible for most of the Padres’ spending this winter, but the Friars also brought in infielder Miguel Andujar, re-signed left-hander Kyle Hart, and brought in relievers Daison Acosta and Ty Adcock.
With their new deals made this offseason, the Padres' 2026 payroll is now at $259.5 million, the sixth-highest in baseball. After weathering the storm of their financial complications, the Padres are looking for another postseason berth this fall. To do so, they’ll need big seasons from their new additions and their returning players.