As spring training got started last week, Padres general manager AJ Preller had his first media availability for the new season. Within a few days the Padres had signed outfielder Jason Heyward, outfielder/first baseman Connor Joe, RHP Nick Pivetta and LHP Kyle Hart. There were also some minor league signings that don’t count toward the major league roster unless they make the team.
There has been much speculation during the off-season regarding payroll and how much money Preller has to spend on the roster. Many around baseball believed the Padres had to cut payroll before the season and absolutely had to be under the first level of the competitive balance tax.