Padres Rumors: Friars Looking Into Trading Jake Cronenworth

Could the Friars move from their four-year infielder?

The San Diego Padres unfortunately flopped in 2023 after entering the year with sky-high expectations. With this past season in the rearview mirror, it seems potentially seismic changes are ahead for the organization. 

As the Padres take a step back and re-evaluate their strategy, some obvious truths may be coming back to haunt them. To borrow a basketball term, they went a little too hard in the paint over the last 12 months or so when it comes to payroll. The club had to take out a $50 million loan to cover, among other things, operating and payroll expenses. Reports have the front office looking to trim roughly $50 million from the taxable payroll for the 2024 season and that's led to much speculation involving superstar left fielder Juan Soto. 

While Soto is the prize of the organization, other cost-saving alternatives have emerged. 

According to MLB insider from USA Today, Bob Nightengale, the Padres could instead trade away 29-year-old infielder Jake Cronenworth to save some money. 

They would like to move Jake Cronenworth, who signed a seven-year, $80 million extension in April.

(Per Bob Nightengale via USA Today)

Less than a year after inking a seven-year extension worth $80 million -- a contract that will begin in 2024 -- the Padres may already be regretting that decision. The two-time all-star earned that contract at the time, but his numbers dipped in 2023. 

He slashed .229/.312/.378 with a .689 OPS and a 92 OPS+, all career lows. On top of that, he only managed to hit ten homers while only driving in 48 runners in 458 ABs in 127 games. 

Although he is coming off an average to below-average season, he may still have some value on the market particularly with his versatility all around the diamond. With that being said, the contract may scare away some teams but if the Friars were willing to eat some of that contract, they could still free up some salary and open up a spot for a true first baseman. 

If the Padres are able to move on from him, that will be a great step forward in getting the payroll in the right direction.