Padres CEO Jeff Moorad told MLB.com's Corey Brock that his team's better-positioned to add payroll now that Jake Peavy plays for the White Sox. The Padres expect to gradually raise their payroll to the $70-80MM range, up from this year's opening day total of $43MM. As a result, the Padres could be more active in the free agent market, though Moorad says he would prefer to "fine tune" the roster with free agents and maintain a focus on scouting and player development.
Now that the Padres traded Peavy and the $48MM remaining on his contract, Chris Young's $6.25MM salary will likely be the club's biggest commitment next year.
