Padres heading to arbitration with one unexpected player after settling with 5 others

The MLB's deadline to sign contracts and avoid arbitration has struck, and the San Diego Padres were busy. The Padres have signed five players to avoid arbitration, but a deal with last season's break out starter Michael King could not be reached. If King and the Padres cannot come up with a deal on their own, then San Diego is headed for their first arbitration hearing since 2014.

The five players signed to avoid arbitration were Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Luis Campusano. Arraez, who has long been subject of trade talks and could still find himself on his fourth team in four years, signed the largest of the deals at $14 million. Catcher Campusano signed the smallest deal at $1 million.

Future still uncertain for some

Arraez signed his $14 million deal knowing that San Diego is still looking to shop the three-time batting champion. As reports of growing interest in the designated hitter have emerged from the Bronx, predictions of a possible deal involving Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman have surfaced. If the Padres were to deal Arraez, there is no question that this $14 million contract will be involved in the talks as well.

Dylan Cease is another name the Padres have been actively shopping, and much like the Arraez situation, knew this when signing the deal. Ceases signed a $13.75 million contract to avoid arbitration, but has had steady interest from teams across the league, including the Mets and Red Sox. Luis Campusano is another name that has been mentioned in trade talks, but the small size of his contract and limited catching options may have him staying in San Diego.

The Padres were also able to avoid arbitration with last season addition Jason Adam, who signed a $4.8 million contract. Adam, who was a key piece in the Padres bullpen and was much more likely to be brought back than fellow mid-season addition Tanner Scott, signed a deal that was $500 thousand less than his expected value.

Adrian Morejon, another bullpen piece who signed a $2 million contract to avoid a hearing, has been with San Diego since 2019, and is coming off the best season of his career. Both Adam and Morejon were vital pieces in the Padres bullpen for 2024, and avoiding a hearing is a crucial step in ensuring the strength of the team's pitching staff.

The biggest news of the day came with who the Padres did not sign. The Padres and Michael King were unable to come to an agreement before the deadline, possibly sending the Padres to their first arbitration hearing since 2014. However, fans should still be hopeful that a deal will be reached, as in all likelihood General Manger AJ Preller and the Padres owners should be willing to give King the deal he wants.