Mariners Explore Trade Options for Padres’ Jake Cronenworth
The Seattle Mariners find themselves in a pivotal moment as they look to solidify their infield. With Josh Naylor back anchoring first base, the Mariners still need to address the absence of free-agent second baseman Jorge Polanco and third baseman Eugenio Suárez, both of whom played significant roles in October. While re-signing Polanco or Suárez remains an option, a more strategic approach could involve acquiring an established All-Star through trade.
Cronenworth as a Trade Target
In a thought-provoking column, ESPN insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel identified the Mariners as a potential landing spot for San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth. Over his six-year big-league career, Cronenworth has not only showcased his skills at second base but has also made a name for himself at first base, earning All-Star honors twice.
“With the Padres grappling with a rotation that requires significant reinforcements behind Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, their financial state comes into play,” wrote McDaniel and Passan. The Padres’ need to offload salary makes Cronenworth, whose contract entails five years and $60 million, an appealing trade piece due to his versatility.
Financial Constraints Boost Trade Likelihood
The Mariners are not alone in their pursuit of Cronenworth; the Padres are also considering other teams such as the Pirates, Marlins, and Royals as potential suitors. McDaniel and Passan assigned a 25% probability that Cronenworth could be traded, indicating that the Mariners would need to navigate a competitive landscape to secure his services. However, the Padres’ ongoing financial challenges suggest that moving a valuable but costly player could be a pragmatic decision for the franchise.
Position Flexibility and Future Potential
Another intriguing aspect of Cronenworth’s potential acquisition is his adaptability. Although he has only played one game at third base in his major league career—back in 2020—his versatility could provide the Mariners with options as they look to bolster their infield. The presence of Manny Machado has limited Cronenworth’s opportunities at that position, but it does not necessarily reflect on his capability to handle the role if called upon.
As the Mariners weigh their options, the prospect of adding a player like Jake Cronenworth could reshape their infield dynamics and provide a much-needed boost to their roster. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal whether this potential trade will materialize, but for now, the Mariners are keeping a close eye on the evolving situation in San Diego.
