San Diego Union-Tribune writer Kevin Acee has reported that the San Diego Padres are open to trading infielders Xander Bogaerts or Jake Cronenworth. Bogaerts and Cronenworth are two of the Padres’ most costly infielders, who owe big bucks (Xander $229 million and Cronenworth $73 million). Unfortunately, moving both comes with some stipulations. According to Acee, to dump most of the salary money they would have to throw in some prospects in the deal. The other issue is that both players have a no-trade clause in their contracts. The Padres’ slow offseason as a result of ownership issues has started to pick up. They’ve signed former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Connor Joe and former Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward this week.
Padres Explore Infield Trade Options After Slow Offseason
Bogaerts and Cronenworth’s Appeal to Market
The MLB offseason is almost coming to a close as pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training as of today. About a week ago, the Padres discussed moving Bogaerts back to shortstop and Cronenworth to second base. Bogaerts is a 32-year-old veteran who is known for his solid defense against left-handed hitters. Spending 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox he was a strong contributor to their World Series victories in 2013 and 2018. He can also perform at an elite level because of his impressive bat control and hand-eye coordination. Bogaerts is also a two-time World Series champion, a four-time All-star, and a five-time Silver Slugger champ.
31-year-old Cronenworth has spent five seasons in MLB. He has racked up more than 100 hits in the past three seasons. According to Baseball Savant, Cronenworth sported a solid chase rate of 23.1 % and a whiff rate of 17.1 % last season. Cronenworth also has speed and is a left-handed hitter. Last season, he also smashed 17 home runs and stole five bases while recording 83 RBIs.
Both Padres infielders also have postseason experience. In his career, Bogaerts has 41 hits, six home runs, and 20 RBIs in the postseason. In Cronenworth’s career in the postseason he has collected 21 hits, two home runs, and 9 RBIs. Both infielders also provide flexibility as Jake has played first, second, and shortstop and Xander has played shortstop and second.
Main Photo Credits: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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