Padres linked to three-time All-Star as possible Luis Arraez replacement

Jared Bloom

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Padres linked to three-time All-Star as possible Luis Arraez replacement image

Luis Arraez has been a key contributor for the San Diego Padres since he was traded from the Miami Marlins back in May of 2024. He has controlled the right side of the infield for the club, playing both first and second base, and then taking DH duties from time to time. 

However, San Diego is at risk of losing him this winter. The three-time batting champion will be an unrestricted free agent when the season comes to a close. 

There is no denying that multiple teams will likely be interested in Arraez. While he has slowed down offensively, he still brings a ton to the table that will help a team win games. 

Padres linked to three-time All-Star as possible Luis Arraez replacement 

The Padres could look at another option for first base if they cannot re-sign Luis Arraez. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities like Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor, and Ryan O'Hearn. 

With limited funds to spend, those options may be out of San Diego's price range. But they could turn to an option at second base and slide Jake Cronenworth over to first base, via Friars on Base's Will Lockwood. 

"The Padres have around $47 million to work with in free agency, and that would keep them below the luxury tax threshold. Despite (Gleyber) Torres saying he would like to remain in Detroit, we feel that if Preller can offer a deal that exceeds the $13.9 million market value, it could be enough to make him a Padre."

That would make for an infield consisting of Manny Machado at third, Xander Bogaerts at short, Gleyber Torres at second, and Jake Cronenworth at first. On paper, that could be quite ideal, but it could be hard to wrestle Torres away from the Detroit Tigers.

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Jared Bloom

Jared Bloom is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He graduated from Judson University, and his love for baseball has led him to cover all aspects of MLB.