Castellanos joined San Diego hoping his experience and offensive power can help him secure a role on the team. However, the veteran outfielder made it clear that his focus is not on the future yet, but on proving he deserves a spot on the roster.

“I mean, right now my anticipation level is just on today’s game, man,” Castellanos said, according to Sammy Levitt on “X”. “I’m still trying to make the club.”

Castellanos could provide depth for Padres lineup

If Castellanos earns a roster spot, he could provide valuable depth for San Diego’s lineup. The veteran has the ability to play both corner outfield positions and can also handle first base when needed.

With Fernando Tatis Jr. expected to start in right field and Ramon Laureano likely handling left field duties, Castellanos could rotate into the lineup depending on matchups or injuries.

Versatility could help Castellanos make the team

Castellanos may also receive opportunities as the designated hitter, giving the Padres another right-handed bat in the lineup. His experience and power could make him a useful option in different situations throughout the season. For now, the veteran remains focused on performing well during Spring Training as he attempts to secure a spot with San Diego.

“I’ve tried every treatment, supplement, and vitamin you can… something got rid of it and it hasn’t come back… I don’t know exactly what did it that fixed it. I hope if it hurts again, we get lucky again,” Buehler told reporters in a video shared by Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan SD.

Last season, Buehler finished the year with a 4.93 ERA, which was quite disappointing across 26 games for him. Most of those appearances came with the Red Sox before he moved to Philadelphia, where he pitched in just three games and posted a 3–0 record with a 0.66 ERA.

Buehler looks solid so far

In his spring training debut with the Padres, Buehler threw three innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out four. Those are solid numbers that could raise hope among San Diego fans heading into the 2026 season, as they hope the team can return to the postseason and make a deeper run.

Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla recently spoke candidly about Buehler: “He’s been good. He’s been throwing the ball well, just tweaking a few of his movements… right now he’s engaged in a movement we’re trying to acquire. I’m expecting him to get it done.”

Regarding his arrival with the Padres, Buehler said in mid-February: “It’s nice to finally be on a team that tries to win by playing hard / working together. Not just overpaying everyone because our ownership group is an investment firm managing $350 billion in assets.”

Guaranteed contracts, deferred money and arbitration raises form a complex ledger. What once looked like aggressive ambition has matured into a web of commitments that demand careful navigation in a competitive NL West landscape.

Cap space, flexibility and future obligations quietly influence every roster decision. The Padres’ 2026 payroll is not just a number on a spreadsheet—it is a reflection of past gambles and the boundaries they create moving forward.

How much is the Padres’ payroll in 2026?

The San Diego Padres are once again among the teams with one of the more substantial payrolls in MLB. According to Spotrac, their actual salary payroll for 2026 is about $262 million, ranking them around eighth in the league by total cash salary.

When evaluated through the lens that matters most for long-term financial planning — the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) or luxury tax payroll — their 2026 number climbs considerably.

Spotrac’s tax projections show San Diego at about $244 million, ranking them roughly sixth highest in the league. That figure includes the average annual values (AAV) of long-term contracts rather than just the cash paid out this season, and reflects the club’s commitment to key stars under contract.

Those lofty figures reflect long-term commitments to cornerstone talents like Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., whose contracts carry significant average annual values.

The blend of big-ticket deals and projected arbitration raises ensures that payroll, in both cash spent and tax calculations, will be a defining backdrop to their 2026 campaign.

“Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, has partnered with Drew Brees, who began his decorated NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, in pursuit of the Padres, according to industry sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the franchise’s sale process,” Lin and Rosenthal wrote.

It remains unclear whether Brees would need to contribute a significant portion of his own money toward the purchase. According to Yahoo! Finance, the former Super Bowl champion has an estimated net worth of $160 million, a relatively small figure compared to the Padres’ reported valuation of $1.95 billion, as listed by Forbes in its 2025 ranking of the most valuable MLB teams.

Brees and his group face strong competition

While Brees is a well-known and respected figure in San Diego, he and his investment group are not alone in their interest in acquiring the Padres. Another billionaire is reportedly in the mix, meaning the competition will be stiff, especially given that rival bidders may have financial resources equal to or greater than those backing Brees.

“Other remaining suitors include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and English Premier League club owner José E. Feliciano, two prospective buyers whose interest in the Padres was previously reported,” Lin and Rosenthal detailed. They also noted that no formal responses have been issued by Brees or the other interested parties regarding the ongoing bidding process.

When official offers will be submitted remains unclear. “A league source described each of the five bids for the Padres as ‘strong.’ Multiple groups are expected to move on to the next round of bidding, with an agreement to buy the team possible around Opening Day.” What does appear certain is that the final sale price could approach, or even exceed, $2 billion.

“Merrill Kelly had a three-year offer from the Padres, but the tax implications were absurd enough that it made more sense to take the D-backs’ two-year deal,” Foul Territory reported on X, citing the pitcher’s recent comments.

It was a three-year proposal, and as Kelly admitted, “It definitely made the decision to come back here a lot harder.” He is now preparing to play the 2026 season in Arizona under a two-year, $40 million deal that also includes a performance-based vesting option for 2028.

How much in taxes was Kelly going to pay?

Had Kelly signed a $40 million contract with the Padres, he would have been subject to California’s top tax bracket of 14.4% (including mental health and SDI surcharges). That would have meant roughly $5.76 million owed to the state. By comparison, Arizona’s flat 2.5% income tax rate would result in about $1 million in state taxes, a difference of nearly $4.8 million in take-home pay.

Kelly acknowledged that while the security of a third guaranteed year was appealing, the “red light” of California’s tax structure made remaining in Arizona for $40 million over two years the more practical decision for both financial and family reasons.

Other stars, such as Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell, have structured their contracts with massive deferrals or specific signing bonuses to offset similar tax burdens. Ohtani, for example, deferred $680 million into future years, potentially reducing the immediate impact of California taxes.

As previously reported, the Padres plan to use Castellanos at three different positions if needed. First base will be the newest assignment for him in recent years, as he has primarily played the outfield with the Philadelphia Phillies over the past few seasons.

The Padres will also deploy him in the outfield when necessary, but his third option will be at designated hitter. The club is expected to closely evaluate Castellanos’ performance during spring training games before finalizing how frequently he rotates between roles.

Castellanos on the Padres’ depth chart

As noted, Castellanos appears on the Padres’ depth chart at three different positions. Specifically, he is listed as the backup in right field behind Fernando Tatis Jr. if needed, with Ramon Laureano also an option according to the depth chart.

Miguel Andujar is currently projected as the Padres’ primary designated hitter heading into the 2026 MLB season, with Castellanos likely serving as the secondary option, particularly in less demanding matchups.

Sheets acknowledged that adding Castellanos brings a veteran right-handed bat to the lineup. As a left-handed hitter who struggled against same-handed pitching in 2025, Sheets noted that having a veteran like Castellanos available to platoon at first base or rotate into the DH spot makes the Padres a more dangerous and flexible team offensively.

The report was shared by Hector Gomez on X (@hgomez27): “The Kansas City Royals sign catcher Elias Diaz to minor league deal, with spring training invite.” The signing generated notable attention, as the veteran free agent has appeared in 205 games over the past two seasons.

It’s not considered a major loss for Machado and the Padres, who have a strong roster capable of covering the catcher position. However, the Royals appear to be prioritizing experience. Diaz brings 11 years of MLB service time, primarily serving as a backup to established starters.

Elias Diaz represents a low-cost veteran addition for the Royals

More than a decade in Major League Baseball is no small feat. Diaz spent his first five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and in 2017 he received his first extended opportunity to showcase his potential, appearing in 64 games behind the plate.

He then spent four and a half seasons with the Colorado Rockies, where he became an important part of the club’s defensive work at home plate. While he wasn’t always the full-time starter, he logged multiple 100-plus game seasons for Colorado before departing in 2024 to join Machado and the San Diego Padres.

In 2025, Diaz endured one of his least productive seasons, posting a .204 batting average with 52 hits and 29 RBIs in what was a difficult campaign overall. He earned $3.5 million in salary, which could serve as a reference point for any potential deal to return to the majors. According to Spotrac, his current market value is projected at approximately $2.4 million.

Just a year ago, Buehler was riding high off his second championship with the Dodgers, though his 2024 regular season fell short of expectations. He then signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Buehler’s 2025 season was turbulent. After struggling with the Red Sox, posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances, he was released. He finished the year with just three appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling a steep climb back to relevance in the majors.

On Monday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres had signed Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. This gives the 31-year-old a chance to compete for a spot in a Padres rotation aiming to challenge the Dodgers in 2026.

What Buehler brings to San Diego

Buehler’s career numbers remain impressive despite recent struggles. He owns a 57–29 regular-season record with a 3.52 ERA, and a 3.04 postseason ERA. Notably, in World Series play, he allowed just one earned run over 19 innings. Padres fans hope his experience and proven track record can help anchor the rotation.

Motivation and opportunity

After a difficult season, Buehler now has a chance to prove himself once again. Facing the Dodgers — the team that initially drafted him and where he achieved World Series glory — could serve as extra motivation. The Padres have added a veteran presence with championship experience, a potential difference-maker in a competitive NL West.

According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Padres have secured Ty France for the upcoming season. France, who didn’t impress during his stint with the Blue Jays last year, is poised to bring his talents to San Diego.

The Padres have made two significant roster additions after a subdued offseason in terms of trades. Now, with Castellanos and France on board, the franchise aims to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers as they look to defend their title.

With these acquisitions, the Padres hope to excel in the upcoming season. Star player Manny Machado subtly communicated his support for General Manager AJ Preller to the Padres’ front office following Castellanos’ signing.

France’s potential impact on the Padres’ roster

As the Padres gear up for a competitive season, Ty France’s addition brings several benefits. His presence could enhance defensive stability, given his previous acclaim with a Gold Glove award, where he led all MLB first basemen with +10 Outs Above Average (OAA).

Furthermore, France provides a right-handed batting option off the bench, evidenced by his .257 average, 7 home runs, and 52 RBIs across 138 games with the Twins and Blue Jays last year. Known for his positional versatility and reliability, France was originally drafted by the Padres as a third baseman, although he primarily plays first base now.

Other additions to the Padres’ roster

Besides Castellanos and France, the Padres have strategically reinforced their roster, particularly in the bullpen, to ensure depth and adaptability in what is anticipated to be a demanding season.

Here are some of the additional players the Padres have acquired:

• Miguel Andujar (LF/DH)
• German Marquez (SP)
• Michael King (SP)
• Griffin Canning (SP)
• Marco Gonzales (SP)
• Sung Mun Song (INF)
• Freddy Fermin (C)
• Ty Adcock (RP)
• Daison Acosta (RP)

The report came from Bob Nightengale on X (@bnightengale): “Manny Machado, who has known Nick Castellanos since they were kids in Miami, says Padres GM AJ Preller deserves an extension for ‘getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar.’”

With Castellanos now on board, the Padres gain a versatile bench piece capable of playing three different roles, designated hitter, first base, and the outfield. That flexibility should benefit the team significantly and reflects what Machado was highlighting: the value of acquiring a former Philadelphia Phillies player at a bargain price.

Preller responds to Machado’s proposal

The message that Machado was calling for an extension for A. J. Preller spread quickly, and reporters soon asked the Padres executive how he felt about the veteran infielder publicly backing him. Preller responded by referencing the massive contract Machado signed with the Padres.

Bob Nightengale shared the quote on X: “A.J. Preller, Padres president of baseball operations who’s on the final year of his contract, when asked whether he appreciated Manny Machado saying he deserves an extension: ‘You give out a $300 million contract, you usually get those kind of comments.’”

During a press availability on February 15, 2026, Preller also expressed optimism about what Castellanos brings to the roster, highlighting his veteran presence and the “assets he brings to the clubhouse.” The former Philadelphia Phillies slugger hit 17 home runs last season.

“He’s very passionate as far as how much he cares … And he’s a player. He’s done it. He’s put on spikes, he’s grinded, he’s felt the feeling of success, and he’s also felt the feeling, you know, when the game doesn’t go your way. So there’s a lot of respect in that,” Castellanos said recently about Stammen.

Castellanos not only praised Stammen but also spoke highly of what the Padres represent to him. As for the manager, it’s worth noting that he played for the Washington Nationals from 2009 to 2015 and later was with San Diego from 2017 to 2022.

Castellanos sees the Padres as the perfect fit

The former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, who hit 17 home runs in Philadelphia last season, said playing for the Padres feels like joining a team that knows exactly what it wants and is focused on winning as many games as possible. He also highlighted the way the organization treats its players as a key factor in his enthusiasm.

“It’s a veteran baseball team. They don’t cut corners as far as what they do to prepare and win. And also, too, is the reputation they have on how they treat their players and how they have their backs. Even if something goes a little bit awry, they still stand with them, and they don’t deviate, I guess, from their commitment to them as a person.”

Last season was not a bad one for the Padres. They reached the postseason but were eliminated in the Wild Card Series, losing 2–1 to the Chicago Cubs. Over the past six years, San Diego has made four postseason appearances, with the most notable run coming in 2022 when they advanced to the NLCS before falling 4–1 to the Phillies.