The San Diego Padres are apparently trying to freshen up their squad, with both Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth available for trade. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are actively pursuing trades for both players in order to lower salary and retool their squad. Bogaerts, who inked an 11-year, $280 million contract before the 2023 season, and Cronenworth, who signed a seven-year agreement, are now prime trade targets.
After a strong 2024 regular season in which the Padres advanced to the playoffs, their postseason ended in disappointment with a loss to the Dodgers in the NLDS. Now, the team intends to make significant modifications.
Trading Bogaerts and Cronenworth might help clear payroll while also addressing other roster requirements. However, emptying their contracts will not be easy. The Padres apparently intend to pay off a “significant” amount of Bogaerts’ $225 million debt over the next nine years, as well as Cronenworth’s $71 million debt by 2030.
To complicate matters further, both players have some type of no-trade protection. Bogaerts has a full no-trade clause, whereas Cronenworth can veto moves to eight teams, potentially limiting the Padres’ trade choices.
Padres are in talks with the Orioles regarding a Dylan Cease trade.
Meanwhile, the Padres are in talks with the Baltimore Orioles about a deal for pitcher Dylan Cease. Despite his one-year rental status, Cease has sparked attention from a number of organizations, including the Orioles, who are actively seeking an ace after losing Corbin Burnes to free agency.
According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, San Diego approached Baltimore to inquire about some of its top prospects, including Samuel Basallo, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo, but those players were not on the table for a potential trade.
The Padres are unlikely to trade Cease, who had a strong 3.47 ERA in 2024 and helped the team make the playoffs. However, relocating Cease may make sense if they believe they can regain value by lowering his compensation.
As the Padres consider their alternatives, these high-profile trade conversations might shape their future. If they are successful in reducing salaries and acquiring significant assets, they may be able to position themselves for a stronger 2025 season.
Leave a Reply