Pair of contract decisions have put the Padres’ offseason goals into focus

The offseason is revving up, and with the GM Meetings this week in San Antonio, who knows how quickly breaking news will hit the wire. But the San Diego Padres did receive a bit of clarity over the weekend after a pair of players made some expected contract decisions ahead of what's likely to be a wild winter.

Ha-Seong Kim declined his part of the mutual option and is now a free agent. It was widely expected that Kim, despite ending the 2024 season on the injured list, would turn down the $8 million for next season. Kim accepted a $2 million buyout instead, and will now be looking to sign a multi-year deal this offseason.

Wandy Peralta, however, is staying put. The veteran reliever exercised his ability to remain in San Diego for at least one more season, but his contract allows the southpaw to make a hasty exit after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Peralta will take home $4.25 million in 2025.

Ha-Seong Kim declines mutual option, Wandy Peralta opts to return to Padres in 2025

Without Kim, the Padres now need to decide how they'll address the vacancy at shortstop in 2025. During the latter-part of the 2024 season and into the postseason, San Diego relied on Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, and that may very well be the Friars' approach next year. Outside of Kim and Willy Adames, the free agent market isn't ripe with shortstop talent.

But Kim's departure could free up some extra cash that will help the Padres retain some of their top talent. Both Kyle Higashioka and Jurickson Profar will officially become free agents on Monday, but the cost savings following Kim's decision gives AJ Preller a bit more payroll flexibility.

Peralta (when healthy) is a reliable arm and brings some stability to a Padres' relief corps that will likely lose Tanner Scott this offseason. Look for Peralta, Robert Suarez, Jeremiah Estrada, and Jason Adam to anchor the backend of the Padres' bullpen next season.

The Padres will likely look to acquire an additional starter this offseason to offset the loss of Joe Musgrove. Other than solidifying the rotation, the Friars have very few holes they'll need to fill this winter outside of keeping Profar and Higashioka in San Diego.

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