The San Diego Padres weren’t always big spenders. But the Padres have undergone a transformation in recent years, shifting from a small-market team to one willing to spend big to compete with baseball’s elite. Under new ownership and management, the Padres have signed some of the most lucrative contracts in franchise history, locking in star players who have led the team to postseason contention.
From the record-breaking deal for Fernando Tatis Jr. to the hefty signings of Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, San Diego’s bold moves in the free-agent market have changed the landscape of their roster. Here’s a closer look at the largest contracts in Padres history and how these moves reflect the team’s ambitions to build a championship roster.
Padres Record-Breaking Contracts
Eric Hosmer: 8 years, $144 million
Eric Hosmer’s deal was the first signal that the Padres were willing to spend big. Hosmer signed a historic eight-year, $144 million contract with the San Diego Padres. At the time, this was the largest contract in Padres franchise history. However, it became a cautionary tale due to his inconsistent performance.
In his first season with the Padres (2018), Hosmer hit .253 with 18 home runs and 69 RBI. The following year (2019), he improved his stats, batting .265/.310/.425 with 22 home runs and 99 RBI as the primary cleanup hitter.
However, Hosmer’s performance declined over time. In 2022, the Padres traded him to the Boston Red Sox, absorbing a substantial portion of his remaining salary. With the Red Sox, Hosmer batted .244/.320/.311, collecting three doubles and four RBI. His contract is a cautionary tale about the risks of large, long-term deals in baseball.
Xander Bogarets: 11 years, $280 million
The Padres surprised the baseball community by signing Bogaerts, a four-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, to a significant deal at age 30. While Bogaerts has consistently shown his skills and experience, the length of this contract raises questions about its long-term value.
In his first two seasons with the Padres, Bogaerts made an impact at the plate, finishing 2023 with a .285 batting average and 19 home runs, all while contributing solid defense and veteran guidance to the team. Unfortunately, his performance in 2024 was hindered by a fractured left shoulder, affecting his availability and overall output.
Manny Machado: 10 years, $300 million (2019) – 11 years, $350 million (2023)
Machado first signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres in 2019, making headlines as one of the largest free-agent contracts in MLB history. He quickly became the team’s leader, delivering consistent All-Star-level performances, including a .298 batting average and 32 home runs in his near MVP campaign. In early 2023, Macaho inked an 11-year, $350 million extension, ensuring he remains a key piece in San Diego’s championship aspirations.
Macahdo had six years and $180 million remaining on his first contract with the Padres. However, an opt-out clause was included, which he could’ve exercised following the 2024 season. That prior offseason, he informed the Padres of his plan to opt out unless the two sides could agree on an extension.
As the Padres’ franchise leader in home runs, he has solidified his legacy while maintaining his role as the team’s leader on and off the field.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: 14 years, $340 million
Tatis made headlines in 2021 when he signed a groundbreaking 14-year, $340 million contract, a deal that underscored his immense potential and value to the team. In his early seasons, he exhibited remarkable, MVP-caliber performance, highlighted by an impressive league-leading total of 42 home runs in 2021.
However, a challenging 2022 season saw him sidelined due to injuries and a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, which hampered his contributions during that year. Since making his comeback, Tatis has adeptly shifted to the right field position, where he has not only shown defensive prowess but also continued to deliver solid offensive outputs. His ability to adapt and thrive in different roles reaffirms his status as a crucial player in shaping the Padres’ future ambitions.
Main Photo: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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