Padres veteran’s versatility opens the door for AJ Preller to explore the first base market

With Luis Arráez and Ryan O’Hearn almost certainly departing in free agency, A.J. Preller will have to do his due diligence when evaluating the market to find the Padres’ first baseman of the future. But there is a chance that the team’s new first baseman is already on the roster — and he has played the position before. His name is Jake Cronenworth.

Cronenworth has been tested at different positions around the infield during his six-year tenure with San Diego. While spending most of his time at second base, he has also seen the field at first base and shortstop. His versatility doesn’t go unnoticed, and it  could definitely play a role in A.J. Preller’s decision making.

In 2025, Cronenworth production as a hitter was above league average, as his OPS+ and wRC+ both remained above the 100 threshold. The only question ahead of 2026 is where the 31-year-old will be playing, there are two possible scenarios.

Jake Cronenworth’s flexibility makes a first base addition more likely for Padres

Keep Cronenworth at second, sign Josh Naylor

There are plenty of sluggers on the first-base market, including Pete Alonso, who is in search of a contract worth $30 million per year. While this may not be a feasible option due to payroll constraints, there are cheaper options, such as Josh Naylor, who is looking for only half of what Alonso is looking for.

During his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners in 2025, Naylor slashed .295/.353/.462 with 20 home runs. He also showed off an element of his game that we haven’t seen from him before, as he stole 30 bases. 

Jim Bowden of The Athletic expects Naylor to land a four-year contract, which the Padres will have enough money available to afford. This is an under-the-radar move that Preller should be looking at.

Move Cronenworth to first, sign Gleyber Torres

The Detroit Tigers signed Torres to a one-year, prove it deal after his final year in New York didn’t turn enough heads for a long-term deal. But in 2025, Torres was not all that bad, as he showed the ability to avoid chasing pitches while working the count and taking walks. 

Torres also hit 16 home runs this year with a 108 OPS+, all en route to his third career All-Star selection. The second-base market isn’t deep this year, but Torres has shown flashes that he can still be productive at the top of the order.

The Padres’ roster is going to see a lot of change — there is no question about it. But if A.J. Preller can press the right buttons in free agency, the team should be just fine.