Padres Add Veteran infielder/outfielder Connor Joe
The San Diego padres have agreed to a one-year deal with infielder/outfielder Connor Joe, according to multiple reports. Financial details of the contract have not yet been released.
Joe, 32, provides the Padres with a versatile option capable of playing first base and outfield. Over his career, he has been a somewhat league-average hitter, demonstrating a knack for success against left-handed pitchers.In his 1,582 plate appearances, Joe has hit.242/.337/.391 for a wRC+ of 97, indicating he has been just 3% below par. Defensively, he has a strong track record at first base and has shown to be an average outfielder.
Joe was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason, making him a free agent. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected him to earn $3.2 million in arbitration, making this move a perhaps cost-effective solution for the Padres, who have been known to operate with a tight payroll.
This signing comes after a relatively quiet offseason for the Padres, amidst rumors of trading star players like Juan Soto, , Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Aaron Altherr.
san Diego Padres Ponder Roster Options After Free Agency
The San Diego Padres find themselves in a strategic position following a busy free agency period. Retaining key players like Luis Arráez and Robert Suarez is a positive,but a tight payroll presents challenges in filling roster gaps.
The team faces several open positions. Jurickson Profar departed for Atlanta, leaving a void in left field. The first base/designated hitter slot is also undetermined, while the departure of Ha-Seong Kim to the Tampa Bay Rays necessitates a shortstop solution. Xander Bogaerts, acquired last season, will move back to shortstop from second, potentially clearing the way for Jake Cronenworth to solidify second base.
Arráez, who primarily served as the designated hitter last year, could emerge as the everyday first baseman. Adding to the intrigue, the Padres recently signed veteran outfielder Joe Musgrove, potentially impacting the team’s defensive configurations.
Musgrove’s versatility could see him take on minutes at first base, potentially shifting Arráez to the designated hitter role. Meanwhile, Tirso Ornelas, devoid of major league experience, initially projects as the left fielder. However, Musgrove’s arrival adds competition to the roster, pushing Ornelas down the depth chart.
Fernando Tatis Jr.is expected to serve as the right fielder for the Padres. He is one of the best players in Major League Baseball and a key part of the team’s future. The Padres enter the upcoming season with an captivating mix of talent and opportunity.
Padres Still Looking for outfielders as Free Agent Market Unravels
The San Diego Padres are continuing their search for outfield depth as the free agent market slowly sorts itself out. The recent flurry of signings for part-time outfielders may leave the Padres with few affordable options remaining.
Over the past two weeks, several players like Austin Hays, Adam Frazier, Ramón Laureano, Randal Grichuk, and Harrison Bader have signed one-year contracts ranging from $1.5 million to $6.25 million. This leaves the Padres with potentially limited options at a crucial position. While the details of Joe’s contract haven’t been reported, he could be included in this trend.
Unsigned players like Alex Verdugo, Jason heyward, and Luis Peralta remain available, though it’s unclear if they fit the Padres’ budget. RosterResource currently puts the Padres at a payroll of $205 million with a competitive balance tax number of $245 million.This leaves their financial flexibility uncertain.
Internal options like Eguy rosario and Brandon Lockridge may also get a chance to compete for at-bats. Rosario is a left-handed hitter, which could lead to a platoon situation with another outfielder.
Padres Face CBT Decision as They Look to 2025
The San Diego Padres are navigating a crucial financial decision as the 2023 season winds down. With a payroll hovering just above the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold, the team is weighing the potential costs and benefits of exceeding the limit in 2024.
Currently, the Padres are approximately $4 million over the $241 million CBT base threshold. While exceeding the threshold would result in a 20% tax on the overage amount, it also impacts the team’s ability to retain star players through the qualifying offer (QO) system. If they pay the CBT tax, they will receive lesser draft compensation when qualifying free agents sign elsewhere.
Stars Joe Musgrove, Yu darvish, and Manny Machado are all eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. The Padres may consider staying below the CBT threshold to maximize their compensation for any potential departures.
The decision presents a delicate balancing act for the padres as they assess their long-term financial strategy and roster outlook.
Given the padres’ current roster needs and the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) concerns, how might the team balance acquiring impactful players with staying under the CBT threshold?
Padres Q&A: Connor Joe, Roster Moves, and CBT Decisions
Q: Who is Connor Joe, and what does he bring to the Padres?
A: Connor Joe is a 32-year-old infielder/outfielder who provides the Padres with versatility and a solid left-handed bat. He’s a career .242 hitter with a knack for success against lefties. He can play first base and the outfield, giving the Padres flexibility in their lineup and defensive alignments.
Q: How did the Padres afford to sign Joe?
A: joe was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates, making him a free agent. He was projected to earn around $3.2 million in arbitration, so this move might be a cost-effective solution for the padres who are known to manage their payroll closely.
Q: What are the Padres’ biggest roster needs heading into the 2024 season?
A: The Padres need to fill several key positions, including left field, first base/designated hitter, and shortstop. Jurickson Profar departed for Atlanta, Ha-Seong Kim signed with tampa Bay, and Xander Bogaerts’ move back to shortstop after playing second base last year creates a vacancy.
Q: What’s the latest with the Padres’ outfield situation?
A: The Padres are still searching for outfield depth. The recent flurry of signings for part-time outfielders might leave the Padres with few affordable options. They’re exploring both internal and external options, with Eguy rosario and Brandon Lockridge possibly seeing more playing time.
Q: What is the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) issue for the Padres?
A: The Padres are currently hovering just above the CBT threshold. Exceeding the limit incurs a significant tax, which can impact the team’s future financial flexibility and their ability to retain key players through the qualifying offer system.
The Padres face a tough decision regarding their payroll and roster moves. Their choices will shape their future success and influence how they approach the 2024 season.
