Follow usFree-agent reliever Wandy Peralta and the San Diego Padres reached an agreement on a four-year contract worth $16.5 million. The information comes from a source familiar with the deal who spoke with The Associated Press.
The newly negotiated contract features opt-out clauses after each of the initial three seasons. Peralta, a 32-year-old left-hander, concluded the last three seasons with the New York Yankees, posting a record of 4-2 with four saves and a 2.83 ERA in 63 appearances during the 2023 season. Over 54 innings, he recorded 51 strikeouts and issued 30 walks.
San Diego, looking to streamline its payroll after a disappointing season that led to missing the playoffs despite having the third-largest opening day payroll in the majors at $258 million, has made strategic moves. The Padres, currently with only two outfielders on their active roster, aim to bolster their rotation supporting pitchers Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King. King, acquired in a significant trade with the Yankees in December, was part of a five-player exchange that sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York.
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