The Padres are believed to be the front-runner to sign free-agent reliever Joaquin Benoit, ESPN reports. An official with knowledge of Benoit's contract talks pegs the Padres as the favorite over the Indians.
The Padres already have someone in the closing role, with Huston Street scheduled to make $7 million in 2014 and the Padres holding an option for the same salary for the 2015 season. If the Padres do land Benoit, it's possible they could deal Street to another team looking for an upgrade at closer in order to bring in some offensive help.