San Diego Padres rumors: Jake Cronenworth "untradable," laughable Juan Soto trade idea, more

As the end of November begins to creep up on us, there is certainly no end to the Juan Soto rumors and what teams might be trade partners for the San Diego Padres. Let's look at the latest idea and other thoughts on the Padres in this rumors roundup.

San Diego Padres rumors: Jake Cronenworth's contract keeping him with Friars

In a mailbag article for The Athletic (subscription required), Jim Bowden was asked by a reader about the possibility of the Padres trading away Cronenworth this offseason in an effort to reduce payroll. Bowden, however, shot down the possibility of the Friars finding a team that would trade with them for Cronenworth, writing that his seven-year, $80 million extension makes him "untradable" following a year where he slashed .229/.312/.378 in 522 plate appearances.

While it's highly unlikely that the Padres are ready to give up on Cronenworth after one down season, the amount he is owed likely ensures he will stay in San Diego until at least he can show that he can rebound from 2023.

Why this Juan Soto trade idea is laughable

Can you imagine the Padres trading Soto to the San Francisco Giants? Well, that's one reader asked Bowden about in his mailbag linked above. After an offseason where Bob Melvin bolted San Diego for the Bay Area, there is zero chance the Padres would send Soto there for a reunion. Forget that San Francisco is a division rival as well, but the optics of doing a deal where Melvin would benefit from Soto in the lineup are just head-shaking on a number of levels.

What isn't laughable, however, is Bowden's belief that the Giants could bid for Blake Snell's services this offseason, meaning the Padres, in a worst-case scenario, may lose the reigning Cy Young winner to one of two division rivals, with the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to sign him to boost their rotation as well.