Padres' New Reliever Yuki Matsui Eager for Big Late-Inning Role; Ha-Seong Kim Draws Trade Interest

San Diego Padres expected to cut payroll to under $200 million, following recent major-league signings and trades.

New Padres reliever Yuki Matsui is looking forward to pitching in big late-inning situations, but does not expect to become the team's closer right away.
San Diego Padres' infielder Ha-Seong Kim has drawn significant trade interest this offseason, but the team has set a high asking price in their conversations with other clubs.
Padres' major-league signings this offseason have consisted of Matsui (five years, $28 million) and fellow reliever Woo-Suk Go (two years, $4.5 million).
Padres are expected to pare payroll to less than $200 million in order to get under the luxury tax threshold, following the death of owner Peter Seidler in November.
Padres traded All-Star slugger Juan Soto and center fielder Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees last month for five players.