The 36-year-old Benoit posted a 2.01 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 with 24
saves in 67 innings for the Tigers in 2013. Passan reported last week that
the Padres and Indians were both discussing deals in the neighborhood of
$14MM over two years with Benoit. Since that time, Cleveland appears to have
moved on by inking John Axford to a one-year deal.
Benoit fills a need for the Padres by adding an experienced arm to the back
of the bullpen now that Luke Gregerson has been traded to the Athletics. San
Diego already has Huston Street under control for $7MM next season, making
him the likely closer, but Benoit could step into the ninth inning in the
event that the oft-injured Street winds up on the disabled list.
Injuries haven't been a problem for Benoit since he missed the 2009 season
following surgery to repair his right rotator cuff. Since that time, Benoit
has stayed off the disabled list entirely, averaging 65 innings per season
and posting a brilliant 2.53 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 259 1/3 total
innings of work. In that time, opponents have batted a mere .200/.258/.333
against Benoit.
The contract is a rarity for San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes, who has
given just one multiyear pact to a reliever