Padres Reportedly 'Unlikely' to Trade Jake Cronenworth This Offseason

San Diego looks to be keeping their veteran infielder this offseason.

The San Diego Padres have been looking all over the league to find different ways to help bring themselves back into a spot of contention. Entering the offseason, their priority was to cut costs on their payroll, and so far, they've done just that.

The front office traded away star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, which saved them over $30 million that would have been owed to him. In the same deal, they moved outfielder Trent Grisham as well, giving up another left-handed batter.

San Diego continues to look into different trades, and there had been talk about them wanting to move off another veteran this offseason. But one MLB Insider is now saying that may not be the case any longer.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Padres may not be looking to trade infielder Jake Cronenworth after all. It had been reported earlier in the offseason that San Diego was looking to move Cronenworth to get off of his contract.

"A trade of Cronenworth now appears less likely, in part because the Padres do not want to subtract a third left-handed hitter."

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

Cronenworth struggled last season with the Padres, hitting only .239 with 10 home runs and 48 runs batted in. It was his first year after since signing a huge seven-year, $80 million extension.

The Padres were reported to be looking into moving off that contract, but it's proven tougher than it seems. His contract has even been deemed 'unmovable' around the league.

The thought of moving Cronenworth remains fluid, and it could change at any time. But right now, it seems that he will be a member of the Padres when Opening Day comes around.