San Diego Padres Players Salary: Machado’s $30M Deal Leads $212M Competitive Squad

San Diego invested $212 million into their 2025 roster, ranking 7th in MLB payroll. Manny Machado leads the team at $30 million annually while the Padres maintain aggressive spending despite trading away Juan Soto and other high-priced veterans.

Xander Bogaerts ($25M), Yu Darvish ($22M), and Joe Musgrove ($20M) form the veteran core. Young stars like Jackson Merrill ($780K) and Dylan Cease ($8M) provide value as San Diego balances star power with cost-controlled talent.

Explore San Diego Padres player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.

San Diego Padres Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Machado earns $30 million through his 11-year, $350 million extension signed in February 2023. The third baseman’s consistent MVP-caliber production justifies the massive investment as San Diego’s franchise cornerstone.

Bogaerts makes $25 million under his 11-year, $280 million deal signed in December 2022. His transition to second base created defensive questions but his bat remains productive. Darvish collected $22 million as the rotation veteran.

Arraez earned $14 million after arriving via trade from Miami. Kim makes $13M in his final year before free agency. Profar collected $12M providing outfield depth and veteran leadership.

Manny Machado Net Worth and Career Earnings

Machado accumulated $325 million in career earnings building a $205 million net worth across Baltimore and San Diego. His 11-year extension guarantees $350 million total, positioning him for $675+ million career earnings.

Bogaerts earned $175 million creating a $110 million net worth across Boston and San Diego. His 11-year contract adds $280 million guaranteed. Darvish collected $205 million building a $130 million fortune across Japan, Texas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Diego.

Musgrove earned $55 million building a $32 million net worth. Arraez collected $22 million creating a $13 million fortune. Kim accumulated $28 million building a $16 million net worth across KBO and MLB.

Jackson Merrill’s Rookie Contract and Young Star Value

Merrill earns just $780K despite winning 2024 NL Rookie of the Year. His pre-arbitration status creates exceptional value as his center field production would command $8-12 million through arbitration or free agency.

Tanner Scott makes $3.8M as the closer after arriving via trade. Michael King earned $7.2M through arbitration following his trade from New York Yankees. Mason McCoy ($770K) provides infield depth at league minimum.

The infield consumed $82 million led by Machado and Bogaerts’ mega-contracts. San Diego concentrates resources in premium defensive positions while finding value elsewhere on the roster.

San Diego Padres Starting Pitchers Salary Breakdown

San Diego allocated $72 million to starting pitchers—34% of total payroll. Darvish ($22M) and Musgrove ($20M) anchor veteran leadership. Cease earned $8M through arbitration after arriving via trade from Chicago White Sox.

Michael King makes $7.2M providing rotation depth. Matt Waldron ($785K) and Adrian Morejon ($1.8M) fill spots through pre-arbitration and arbitration contracts. The Padres blend expensive veterans with cost-controlled arms.

Dylan Cease’s arbitration salary creates trade flexibility. His final year of team control before free agency makes him valuable trade chip if San Diego seeks payroll relief or prospect returns.

How Padres Spend on Relief Pitching

San Diego allocated $18 million to relievers—8% of total payroll. Suarez leads at $4.5M providing late-inning stability. Scott makes $3.8M as the closer after arriving via trade from Miami.

The Padres avoid heavy bullpen spending, instead cycling through undervalued arms identified via trades and analytics. Yuki Matsui ($2.5M) and Jeremiah Estrada ($780K) provide depth at reasonable rates.

San Diego’s bullpen strategy emphasizes matchup-based management rather than traditional closer roles. Their analytics department optimizes relief usage maximizing effectiveness from mid-tier arms while controlling costs.

Padres Payroll After Trading Juan Soto

San Diego’s payroll dropped from $250+ million after trading Soto to the Yankees in December 2023. The blockbuster deal shed approximately $30 million in luxury tax obligations while acquiring young talent like Michael King.

The Padres reset their competitive balance tax penalties through strategic trades. They remain above the $241 million threshold but avoid fourth-tier penalties that would have cost $80+ million annually.

San Diego’s financial strategy balances championship contention with tax management. Their $212 million payroll ranks 7th, demonstrating continued commitment to winning while avoiding extreme penalty tiers.

FAQs

Who is San Diego Padres’ highest-paid player?

Manny Machado earns $30 million annually through his 11-year, $350 million extension signed in February 2023 running through 2033 as franchise cornerstone.

How much does Jackson Merrill make?

Merrill earns just $780K as the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year in his pre-arbitration years, creating exceptional roster value through 2027.

What is Xander Bogaerts’ contract worth?

Bogaerts makes $25 million under his 11-year, $280 million deal signed in December 2022, playing second base through 2033.

Why did San Diego trade Juan Soto?

San Diego traded Soto to shed $30 million in payroll and reset luxury tax penalties while acquiring young talent like Michael King from the Yankees.