Padres Still Looking to Trade Veteran Infielder This Offseason

Will the four-year Padre be with a new team next season?

The San Diego Padres executed a significant move last week, trading away lefty slugger Juan Soto, which garnered attention as one of the season's key transactions. Acquired less than two years ago from the Washington Nationals, Soto's departure marked a seismic shift for the Padres, driven in part by the need to manage finances.

However, it appears that the Padres might not be done reshaping their roster, with ongoing discussions about potential trades involving two-time All-Star Jake Cronenworth. Padres insider from The Athletic Dennis Lin says the team is still looking to trade the two-time all-star. 

The Padres are at least listening to trade inquiries involving infielder

Jake Cronenworth

, who will make $7 million next season in the first year of a seven-year, $80 million extension.

(Per Dennis Lin via The Athletic)

Cronenworth, a stalwart with the Padres over the past four seasons, secured a 7-year, $80 million contract just before the commencement of the 2023 season. Despite his impressive 2022 campaign that warranted the lucrative deal, Cronenworth faced challenges in the 2023 season.

His performance dipped, reflecting mediocre stats with a slash line of .229/.312/.378 and a .689 OPS. The contract which was once considered a steal, did not unfold favorably for both Cronenworth and the Padres. The uncertainties surrounding Cronenworth's current trade value and the team's aggressiveness in shopping him remain topics of interest.

While the details of these discussions and the extent of the team's pursuit are yet to be fully revealed, the Padres' front office has ample time to evaluate options and make decisions regarding the 29-year-old infielder. The evolving dynamics of the Padres' roster indicate that further moves may be on the horizon.