Winter of Uncertainty: Padres Two-Time All-Star Future Hangs in Balance Amid…

As the MLB Winter Meetings approach, San Diego Padres fans are eagerly awaiting the next move from GM A.J. Preller. So far, the offseason has been unusually quiet for the Friars, largely due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, the team faces several pressing needs, and Preller will need to get creative. While blockbuster trades may not be in the cards this year, one intriguing possibility involves trading fan-favorite former All-Star Jake Cronenworth.

Could Two-Time All-Star Jake Cronenworth Be a Trade Candidate This Offseason?

The Padres’ offseason is clouded by uncertainty, particularly around their budget. For the second consecutive winter, Preller must navigate financial restrictions, leaving little room for splashy acquisitions. However, Preller’s knack for surprise deals keeps fans speculating. One name that could emerge as a trade candidate is the first baseman Cronenworth.

Cronenworth is coming off the most challenging season of his five-year career. In 2024, he slashed .241/.324/.390 with 17 home runs and 83 RBI, posting a .714 OPS (99 OPS+) and a 105 wRC+. His performance dipped significantly in the second half, when he struggled with strikeouts and groundouts. He finished with a .215/.326/.650 line, just four homers, and 28 RBI after the All-Star break. September and October were particularly rough, with only one home run and five RBI combined during the Padres’ critical stretch run.

Defensively, Cronenworth posted career lows in several categories, including -1 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), -4 Outs Above Average (OAA), and -3 Fielding Runs Value (FRV). His versatility, once a major strength, has waned since his back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2021 and 2022. Yet, Padres fans know that Cronenworth is still capable of providing some elite defense. The metrics don’t tell the whole story.

Assessing Cronenworth’s Trade Value

Despite his recent struggles, Cronenworth’s resumé still makes him an intriguing option for teams seeking a veteran presence with All-Star potential. That said, moving him won’t be easy. Before the 2023 season, Cronenworth signed a seven-year, $80 million extension. Unfortunately for San Diego, his performance declined almost immediately afterward, diminishing his trade value.

Any deal involving Cronenworth would likely require the Padres to include prospects or other assets to sweeten the pot. This is where things get even more complicated. The Padres’ farm system is not as deep as it was in years past, and the team is likely unwilling to trade either of its top two prospects, Leodalis De Vries and Ethan Salas. Moving Cronenworth without attaching top prospects in a potential trade will be difficult – but not impossible.

Potential Trade Scenarios

The Padres have several gaps to address this offseason, including starting pitching, bullpen depth, and possibly a corner outfielder if Jurickson Profar departs. Recent reports suggest the Chicago Cubs are actively shopping Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki. Could the Padres explore a deal for one of them? Alternatively, the Cleveland Guardians are reportedly open to trading Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas. A reunion with Naylor, known for his power at the plate, could bolster the Padres’ infield offense.

The Padres have also been linked to Nolan Arenado, and ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported the St. Louis Cardinals would be willing to take on a contract that a team “wants to move.” Cronenworth’s contract fits that description, and Arenado is reportedly willing to move to first base. Olney mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers as the most likely destination though, so this one also appears unlikely.

Adding a starting pitcher remains a top priority, and Jake Cronenworth could serve as a key piece in a complex trade to address this need. His inclusion in a deal might unlock opportunities for San Diego to improve their roster while staying within budget constraints.

Who’s on First?

Ultimately, trading Cronenworth would be a challenge, and the Padres may choose to keep him for depth, especially with Ha-Seong Kim’s likely departure creating infield uncertainties. Cronenworth’s versatility allows him to play both first and second base, which could be critical as the team reshuffles its roster.

Whether or not Cronenworth remains in San Diego, the Padres have plenty of work ahead to address their roster needs. The Winter Meetings are a golden opportunity for Preller to deliver another surprise and position the Padres for success in 2025.

Stay tuned as this offseason unfolds—and don’t count Preller out just yet.