Exciting news for Padres fans! The team has cleared some cap space and made some strategic moves by unloading Matt Carpenter and most of his salary. These changes are setting the stage for some potentially game-changing adjustments to the roster in the near future. The Padres made significant savings by trading Carpenter and left-handed reliever Ray Kerr to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outfielder Drew Campbell, along with $1.5 million.
The team has its sights set on improving the roster and has already taken some impressive steps in that direction. Just recently, the Padres saved an estimated $30 million by trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees. According to Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, the team is looking to build some financial flexibility in order to make impactful moves in the coming weeks, be it through trades or free agency.
FanGraphs estimates that the Padres’ payroll for 2024 is currently at $151 million, with plans to keep it below $200 million by the time the season kicks off. This leaves room for at least two starting pitchers, two outfielders, and a few relievers to be added to the mix.
The departure of Carpenter, who had a disappointing season in 2023, provides a chance for the Padres to create space on the roster for new talent. Carpenter’s contract was a contributing factor in the decision to trade him, with his $5.5 million player option and his $6 million towards the Competitive Balance Tax payroll playing a significant role in the move. Along with Carpenter, the Padres also parted ways with pitcher Ray Kerr, adding to the team’s efforts to revamp the roster and create new opportunities for fresh talent to shine.
With the acquisition of Drew Campbell, the Padres are looking to expand their outfield options and add another dimension to the team. Campbell, a 26-year-old who has yet to play above Double-A, brings potential and depth to the Padres’ lineup. In addition to securing promising young talent, the trade has also opened up valuable spots on the 40-man roster, providing the team with the flexibility to make further strategic roster changes in the future.
Overall, these recent roster adjustments are an exciting development for Padres fans and set the stage for a potentially compelling season in 2024. With significant financial flexibility and newfound roster spots, the team is well-positioned to make some impactful moves and build a strong and dynamic lineup for the upcoming season.
