Clint Barmes’ deal with the Padres is now official: He’ll get $1.5 million in 2015 and the Padres will have an option for 2016 that begins at $2 million and can rise based on incentives reached.
Barmes has long been one of MLB’s best defensive shortstops, although counting on that continuing at age 36 is always iffy. And he’s terrible offensively, hitting .245 with a .622 OPS in 48 games for the Pirates this past season and failing to crack a .700 OPS since 2009.
He figures to serve as the backup to Alexi Amarista and the Padres were in the market for middle infield depth after non-tendering Everth Cabrera.