Rays listening on All-Star second baseman opens a door that the Padres can't ignore

As always, the San Diego Padres' offseason is going to be unpredictable, exciting, and a tad unnerving. AJ Preller is constantly in the middle of trade talks, free agency acquisitions, and international signings. Padres fans can always hope for, and depend, on their team to come through with a new player before the start of the next season.

One key component to the Padres' 2025-26 offseason will be figuring out who will play first base next year. Luis Arraez is likely gone, although there's been speculation that the club wouldn't mind a reunion. But if he does wind up leaving, the options at first base run rampant. One logical move they can make is to slide Jake Cronenworth over from second base to first.

If the Padres do that, there is one slugging second base who has recently hit the trading block. Rays veteran Brandon Lowe is now being shopped by Tampa Bay, and he could be a tremendous fit with San Diego.

Brandon Lowe could fill Padres' infield needs if Luis Arraez leaves San Diego

Since 2020, Lowe, 31, is among the best power-hitting second basemen. He can be mentioned in the same breath as All-Stars Marcus Semien, Jose Altuve, and Ozzie Albies as the premier players to man this position. Just look at his numbers; they stack up pretty well with theirs. Lowe's produced two 30-plus home run seasons in his career, as well as two other 20-plus home run campaigns.

He was sent to the All-Star Game for the second time of his career in 2025, and handed in 31 home runs, 83 RBIs, 116 OPS+, and 130 hits. His sweet left-handed swing almost mirrors Cronenworth's when they go deep. It's something beautiful. Imagine having those two in the same lineup going back-to-back?

Lowe isn't the greatest defender, but his elite metrics at the plate against right-handers (.873 OPS in 2025) cannot be ignored. He was also a better hitter on the road last year, registering a .275 batting average and .837 OPS away from Tampa Bay. He also showed some strong numbers at Petco Park last year, batting 4-for-13 with a home run and two RBIs.

Lowe has proved that he can spark a lineup, and transitioning to a different team shouldn't be a problem. We can overlook his negative defensive runs saved from last year if it means he can be a reliable bat. To his credit, Lowe did turn a league-high 86 double plays last year. That has to count for something, especially for a guy who isn't famous for his glove.