Ken Rosenthal and Jeff Passan Reports

Detroit Tigers pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53). Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports.

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com is reporting the Padres are looking to acquire free-agent Joaquin Benoit. Benoit is a 36 year old right-handed relief pitcher who has played for the Detroit Tigers the past three seasons. He earned $5.5 million in 2013, and may be due for a raise after allowing only 47 hits in 67.0 innings pitched. Benoit also had a 2.01 ERA and 24 saves in 2013.

#Padres making strong push for free-agent RHP Joaquin Benoit, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2013

After trading away set-up man Luke Gregerson, Benoit would be an upgrade, although he will be turning 37 in July of 2014. Should the Padres continue pushing?

Jeff Passan UPDATE:

Indians and Padres both in on Joaquin Benoit at two years, $14M+. Padres source says their deal may include a third-year option as well.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 12, 2013

That’s a lot of money for a relief pitcher. However, we need more firepower in the pen with all the big bats in the NL West. Keep pushing Byrnes! Or not! Do we have that kind of money, and if we do, how much will be left after the potential signing of Benoit?

Topics: Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres

ballybunion

I’m thinking the $7-$10 million/year is too much. I suspect Byrnes is keeping the rumor mill going to satisfy the fans. He did the
same last year with starters but they wanted too much money too. I’d let Vincent, Thayer, one of the kids, or even Burch Smith or
Robbie Erlin try out for the setup man role. The team might want to stash a spare starter in the pen anyway.
Bernie D’Amato

Yesterday, I would have thought you were correct. Now we have Benoit, so I’m thinking our bullpen will be solid, but do we have the offense?