Two San Diego Padres infielders are potential trade candidates this offseason despite their relatively modest 2025 contracts.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, “San Diego general manager A.J. Preller, known for his willingness to explore creative deals, might look to move infielders Jake Cronenworth or Luis Arraez this winter.” Their presence in trade discussions positions the Padres as a potential wild card in the offseason market.
With skyrocketing free-agent costs — highlighted by Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the New York Mets and Max Fried’s $218 million contract with the Yankees — teams may turn to players like Arraez and Cronenworth as appealing alternatives.
Arraez, 27, is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $14.6 million in 2025, his final arbitration year. In his first season with the Padres, he led the National League in batting average (.314), hits (200), and earned down-ballot MVP votes while making his third career All-Star appearance. Notably, Arraez became the first player in MLB history to win three consecutive batting titles with three different teams, having done so with the Twins in 2022, the Marlins in 2023, and the Padres in 2024.
Cronenworth, 30, is a two-time All-Star who hit .241/.324/.390 across 155 games in 2024, splitting time between first and second base. A career .247/.329/.411 hitter, he has experience at all four infield positions over five seasons with the Padres. While his bat isn’t exceptional, his defensive versatility makes him a valuable option for teams needing flexibility. Cronenworth signed a seven-year, $80 million extension in April 2023 and will earn $11 million in 2025, followed by $12 million annually from 2026 to 2030.
Arraez was acquired midseason by Preller in May, and his arrival, along with pitcher Dylan Cease (traded from the White Sox in March), helped propel the Padres to a 93-win season. Preller’s willingness to make moves outside the usual offseason window suggests he could still shake up the roster after spring training.
The Padres lowered their competitive balance tax payroll to $231 million in 2024 and aim to stay well under the 2025 threshold of $241 million. Trading Cronenworth or Arraez could further reduce payroll, but Preller would face the challenge of improving the roster without either of these All-Stars.
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