The San Diego Padres are one of the more interesting teams to follow this offseason, as the trade rumors swirling around the team have indicated they're willing to ship off a few key players this winter for the right price.
And yet, they've also spent $75 million on Michael King, and were in on a few other free agents who would've made the need for those trades even more apparent. The Padres aren't likely to be done this winter, and that includes potential free agent additions.
ESPN's David Schoenfield names the Padres as the best fit for one free agent, a contact-first hitter who'd be a familiar face for the Padres. That player is three-time batting title champion Luis Arraez.
Padres named best free agent fit for Luis Arraez
"The Padres still seem like the best fit (for Arraez) - at the right price," Schoenfield writes. "Although it would be fun to see what Arraez could hit at Coors Field."
While the Padres might be the best fit for Arraez left this winter, the Colorado Rockies could be an option for the batting champion.
San Diego doesn't necessarily want to bring Arraez back, but if they clear some money by trading Jake Cronenworth, Nick Pivetta, and others, they might have more reason to re-sign the 29-year-old infielder.
He'd have to slot in at first base or designated hitter for the Padres, as he's better suited to play in a spot that won't jeopardize the Padres defensively.
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That lack of defensive versatility, meaning he's not applicable for playing second base, means his market isn't nearly as robust as it could've been.
If he were a quality fielder, there might be more interest in Arraez. But his struggles defensively, leading to him being a first baseman or DH only, make him a tough player to sign.
That's why the Padres, with a spot open at first base, make the most sense as Arraez's landing spot this offseason.
There's no guarantee the Padres bring him back, but Schoenfield's point is one to keep in mind as the offseason progresses. Arraez coming back to San Diego shouldn't be ruled out, especially if his market collapses and the Padres can get him back for very cheap.
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