Jake Cronenworth Named Padres Trade Candidate By MLB Insider

The San Diego Padres have a new era with Craig Stammen as the new manager. Mike Shildt retired and then took a front office role with the Baltimore Orioles shortly after, and San Diego made Stammen the manager. 

As December begins, there is still no contract extension for General Manager AJ Preller, and it remains to be seen if he earns more time in San Diego or not. 

Yet, expect the Padres to make some kind of move in free agency or the trade market, as they usually do. 

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named one trade candidate for every team, and for the Padres, it is infielder Jake Cronenworth. 

"Cronenworth regressed a bit after his back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2021-2022, but he rebounded last season, posting a .744 OPS with a career-high .367 on-base percentage in 135 games. The versatile infielder is signed for $60 million over the next five years, so moving him would give the Padres some much-needed financial flexibility while likely being able to land a solid return."

In December 2019, the Padres landed Tommy Pham and Cronenworth from the Tampa Bay Rays in for Hunter Renfroe and Xavier Edwards.

He has been with the Padres ever since, and he has played 150 or more games in three of the last five seasons. 

In 2025, his offensive production dipped as he hit .246 but with 11 home runs and 59 RBI, both a step down from his 2024 totals. 

He signed a seven-year, $80 million extension prior to the 2024 season, so his contract is considerably cheap for somebody who can play every day and can play multiple positions. 

What he would get San Diego in return remains to be seen, and whether or not the team wants to move him is also another question. 

He could likely slot in at second base next season, and he provides insurance at first base and third base, making him a valuable piece in a number of ways.