The San Diego Padres are reportedly looking to shed payroll this offseason. Jeff Passan wrote in his latest report on Thursday that Padres general manager A.J. Preller is looking to offload money.
As a result, the Padres are expected to be shopping proven veterans. This includes Jake Cronenworth and Luis Arraez, players who are owed a total of $93 million. “San Diego general manager A.J. Preller, always willing to consider creative deals, could move infielders Jake Cronenworth or Luis Arraez,” wrote Passan.
“With a paucity of on-the-dirt free agents, either would bring back a premium.” Teams like the New York Yankees are always looking for ways to improve the roster. FanSided baseball writer Jacob Mountz believes Arraez would help the Yankees, but they should avoid Cronenworth. “Luis Arraez is a prime rental target the Yankees could look to swing,” wrote Mountz. “Cronenworth, on the other hand, would come with several years of control. … So far, Cronenworth’s reputation wouldn’t justify trading for him.”
Acquiring Arraez would allow the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to centerfield where he was more successful. Cronenworth could turn it around, but that’s a long contract to be on the hook for if he doesn’t. Both players remain options for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. However, the Yankees seem to be looking for a big-time bat to man the hot corner at third base. The infield market is likely to remain at a standstill until Nolan Arenado and Alex Bregman find their new teams. The Yankees have been linked to both of them.
Rumor that had been leaked awhile ago?