2 Friars Listed on ‘All Overpaid Team’ by Writer, But It’s Not Who You’d Expect

Unafraid of multiple big contracts on their roster, the San Diego Padres have been known for spending big for the best of the best baseball has to offer at every position. 

On a list of the most overpaid players in the league, two Padres made the list, but none within San Diego's hitting core were mentioned in one's writers thoughts. 

Third Runner-Up: Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres, $10 million, -0.2 bWAR 

After a stellar first season in the majors, the Padres signed Suarez to a five-year, $46 million deal in November. But he was unable to make his season debut until July 21 after opening the year on the IL with elbow inflammation. And in one of his few appearances of the season, he gave up five earned runs in a painful loss to the Dodgers shortly after the trade deadline. Even excluding that dud, though, he hasn't been the same pitcher, currently sporting a strikeout rate less than half of what it was in 2022.

via Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report

Alongside Suarez's injuries, similar issues have prevented another Friar bullpen option from seeing the field in 2023 despite his current pay. 

Fourth Runner-Up: Drew Pomeranz, San Diego Padres, $10 million, Has not played

Did you even know Pomeranz is still on San Diego's payroll? He hasn't pitched in the majors since August 2021, when he underwent flexor tendon surgery. He missed all of 2022 while recovering from that, and had another "cleanup" procedure in May of this year. But he reportedly has still been throwing and hopes to make it back this season. For now, though, it's another $10 million that has gone completely to waste in the Padres 'pen.

via Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report

Both Suarez and Pomeranz's extended absences from the team have been sorely missed despite their current contracts. 

Though expensive, such depth in the bullpen would be welcome for a Padre team that's struggling right now. 

Money is clearly not an issue for the Friars, but they're spending $20 million on two relievers who have given them not much and nothing at all ... not ideal.