In a somewhat surprising move the Padres have exercised the option on relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit for 2016, now owing the hard throwing right hander $7.5MM with a $1MM buyout according to Corey Brock of MLB.com and other reports. In moves that are not suprising, they have declined the options on SS Clint Barmes and pitcher Cory Luebke. Many see the Benoit move as a signal that the team is actively pursuing trade options with current closer Craig Kimbrel or perhaps even Benoit himself.
Padres News: Joaquin Benoit Option Picked Up by Padres
