Padres could chase a bargain at first base after Yankees’ Paul Goldschmidt reunion

Amongst the need for more starting pitching, the Padres are still in the market to find their next first baseman. With both Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn in new threads, there are only a few options left on the table for A.J. Preller.

The Yankees brought back Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year, $4 million contract on Friday, removing him from the Padres short list of options.

San Diego still has Jake Cronenworth rostered, but it feels as if the team is reluctant to move him to first base, as it would leave a hole in the middle of the infield.

With Spring Training inching closer by the day, and a massive vacancy that needs certainty, it may be time for Preller to resort to his fallback option, which is a former Silver Slugger and World Series champion who is looking to get his career back on track.

Padres’ first base plans could quietly pivot toward Nathaniel Lowe

Lowe started his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he spent two seasons. However, the team traded him to the Texas Rangers in exchange for prospects ahead of the 2021 season. During his time in the Lone Star State, Lowe won a Silver Slugger in 2022, a Gold Glove, and a World Series in 2023.

In 2024, Lowe was traded from the Rangers to the Washington Nationals during the offseason, and it was a short-lived tenure. He was traded again to the Boston Red Sox, where he finished the 2025 season.

After 2025, Lowe was designated for assignment, and he became a free agent.

Last season, Lowe slashed .228/.307/.381, which aren’t the best numbers. But with the talent that the Padres have in their lineup, he would blend in.

The team desperately needs a first baseman, and it may be time for them to take a chance on Lowe in order to fill that need.