2 San Diego Padres who worked out in 2023 and 2 who didn't

These two players have not worked out well with the San Diego Padres in 2023.

Matt Carpenter

At the time, this was a good free-agent signing for the Padres. Carpenter was coming off a good 2022 season with the New York Yankees despite missing time with an injury. A needed left-handed bat, he also is flexible and able to fill in at multiple infield positions.

As the season has gone along, his at-bats have decreased and he’s slashing just .174/.307/.303 Going into next season, Preller needs to figure out a way to move his $6 million that is due and he is just taking up a roster spot for someone else who could provide more to the team.

Nelson Cruz

Like Carpenter, things never worked out with Cruz, who was brought in to split DH at-bats primarily from the right side, but he was never able to find his swing, and in July, San Diego designated him for assignment. He was on a cheap $1 million contract, but it got to the point where the Padres needed to move on.

Preller was hoping that the veteran would be able to find his home run swing and be a run-producing addition to the bottom of the order, but it never materialized. When he was producing, he was one of the top DHs in the league, but those days are gone. San Diego is better off with giving extra at-bats now to Sanchez, when he’s not catching, and Garrett Cooper, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Miami Marlins.