The Padres made some of their first roster moves toward 2016 on Tuesday, exercising their option on setup man Joaquin Benoit and declining the one on infielder Clint Barmes.
Benoit will make $8 million in 2016, as opposed to a $1.5 million buyout. On a roster facing limited financial flexibility, either Benoit or closer Craig Kimbrel, who will earn $11 million, could be used as a trade chip.
If both are retained, the Padres should again deploy one of the National League’s strongest late-inning duos. Despite turning 38 in July, Benoit remained effective, finishing 6-5 with a 2.