Veteran second baseman's surgery could create buy-low path for Padres in free agency

For quite some time, we have linked free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres to the Padres, as Luis Arráez is almost certainly departing. But the recent news regarding Torres could change how aggressive A.J. Preller is in his pursuit of the 28-year-old.

Members of Torres’ camp announced that he underwent sports hernia surgery, an injury that he played through in the second half of the season. He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of spring training in February, after a solid 2025 campaign with the Detroit Tigers, during which he signed a one-year, prove-it deal worth $15 million.

Surgery setback may turn veteran second baseman into Padres’ bargain play

Slashing .256/.358/.387 with a 108 OPS+, Torres thrived at the front of Detroit’s power-heavy lineup, which included Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Spencer Torkelson who combined for 93 home runs and 251 RBIs.

Torres was a huge part of the success of those three, as he was able to get on base, part of which was due to his excellent plate discipline. Torres rarely chased pitches out of the zone, worked the count in his favor, and most importantly took his walks.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicts that Torres will receive a lucrative contract this offseason — a four-year, $52 million deal, to be precise. While Bowden didn’t specifically list the Padres as a suitor in this edition, it would be no surprise if those rumors heat up if Arráez does not return.

San Diego has Jake Cronenworth under contract through 2031, as they locked him in long-term on the eve of the 2023 season. This could play a role in Preller’s decision-making, as Ryan O’Hearn, whom the team acquired at this year’s deadline, is also set to find a new home in free agency.

Cronenworth has the ability to play first base, so why not move him over one position to the right and bring in Torres to fill the void at second? The surgery may even lower his market value, which Preller could take advantage of.