The San Diego Padres are still without a first baseman for 2026 as of now, unless infielder Jake Cronenworth slides over from second base to play the position full-time.
The Padres like Cronenworth at second base, but if the team doesn’t bring back former Padre Luis Arraez, or bring in his replacement, it seems like Cronenworth would assume the role of the everyday first baseman.
The two-time All-Star has played 258 games at first base and can step into that role easily if the team is focused on cutting payroll so much that they won’t re-sign Arraez.
Reports suggested that both parties were interested in a reunion, but since a deal hasn’t been signed, are the Padres moving forward without him? ESPN’s David Schoenfield says San Diego is still the best fit for the 29-year-old.
“As for Arraez, he's a three-time batting champ (2022, 2023, 2024) and has led the National League in hits the past two seasons -- two seasons in which, combined, he has been worth a grand total of 2.2 WAR,” Schoenfield wrote Friday. “He just doesn't provide much value beyond a whole bunch of singles: He's almost strictly a first baseman/DH now (he played just 14 games at second base for the Padres), he doesn't walk much so his on-base percentage is heavily reliant on his batting average, and he doesn't run well. It's not a matter of teams not appreciating his skill (he never strikes out), it's that his skill -- hitting singles -- isn't that valuable.”
Arraez would be so much more respected if he was playing Major League Baseball 30 years ago. Nobody holds batting average in high regard anymore, it’s all about power and RBI, and Arraez doesn’t excel in those categories. Some teams probably value Arraez high because of his contact abilities, but not being great at anything else hurts his stock.
“That said ... he's durable and is only just turning 29 years old. He also did have 42 extra-base hits last season -- so he's not just a singles hitter -- and his 99 OPS+ in 2025 was the worst of his career,” Schoenfield added. “He's useful, but first basemen who hit eight home runs a year aren't going to get paid. As for possible fits, that's simply the teams with the lowest combined OPS from first base and DH (leaving out the Orioles, who signed Pete Alonso).
“The Padres still seem like the best fit -- at the right price -- although it would be fun to see what Arraez could hit at Coors Field.”
Those teams, the Padres and Colorado Rockies, seem like the two teams that fit Arraez the most. With Spring Training around the corner, Arraez will want to find his next home soon.