Padres may need Mariners’ help to fix one of their priciest infield problems

The Padres are set to undergo hefty changes in their infield, especially at first base, with Luis Arráez and Ryan O’Hearn sitting on the open market. If both of them choose to leave, it would leave San Diego’s front office in a deep hole that will need to be patched up swiftly.

The team has an option at first base on their roster in Jake Cronenworth, who could easily transition back to a position that he is familiar with. Cronenworth, 31, spent the majority of 2025 at second base, but has seen plenty of playing time at first over the course of his career.

A Cronenworth move to first wouldn’t hurt, as the second base market is much more affordable while also having a variety of different options.

The Padres’ Jake Cronenworth dilemma could hinge on what the Mariners do next

But with money playing a factor in every decision made by A.J. Preller and the front office, new reports point to the Padres moving Cronenworth via trade, as trading him would relinquish the $12.3 million he is due each year through the 2031 season.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel released an article on Dec. 2 that pointed to 25 players who could be dealt during the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida. For each player listed, a probability was set on the likelihood of them getting traded. Cronenworth clocked in at No. 20 with a 25% of getting traded. 

While Cronenworth is unlikely to be moved, it does point to him being the odd one out on a stacked San Diego lineup. But while it is very strong, the starting pitching lacks depth, as Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove are the only two headlining it.

The Padres could knock out two birds with one stone by trading Cronenworth away, the first being to trade him in exchange for a starting pitcher, which they desperately need.

The team could also clear payroll by going through with this move, along with the $60 million in remaining money that is on his contract.

Passan listed the Mariners as one of the best fits for Cronenworth, if he were to be dealt. After all, Seattle has the exact opposite problem as San Diego when it comes to starting pitching; they could easily afford to trade away one of their front-line starters while getting a slightly above-average bat and a decent second baseman in return.

On top of his defensive versatility, Cronenworth is projected to slash .240/.331/.389 with 13 home runs in 2026, according to Pro Baseball Reference. This could make him even more intriguing to the Mariners, who could look to make a move at second base.

Going through with this would not only help the Padres fill a hole at starting pitcher, but they could also clear payroll and use the excess money on a contract to keep Luis Arráez around long-term.