🔥 HOT NEWS: San Diego doubles down on spending as the Padres refuse to scale back payroll for 2026—even with ownership-sale questions swirling in the background ⚡.NL
The Padres plan to have a payroll that ranks among the top 10 in MLB in 2026 again, meaning they are “virtually guaranteed to pass” the Competitive Balance Tax threshold and pay the corresponding penalty for the second consecutive season and the fifth time in six years, according to Kevin Acee of the SAN DIGEO UNION-TRIBUNE.
Padres Chair John Seidler said they “anticipate payroll will remain at a similar level to last year.” His assertion was “consistent” with what sources have said throughout the offseason — that the “looming sale of the team will not affect ownership’s investment in the club.”
Last year’s $224M payroll, which included bonuses and CBT penalties, ranked eighth in MLB. It was the second-highest payroll in franchise history.
They have had an average payroll of $222M since 2021. The Padres are one of seven teams to have passed the CBT threshold in at least three of the four years under the current CBA (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/8). Seidler added that the “expectation remains” that President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller’s contract will be extended.
He said, “A.J. and I have been talking about an extension, and we’re going to continue talking about it. A.J. loves San Diego, and the Padres would like to have him remain long-term” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/8).
