This upcoming season, six-time Platinum Glove Award-winning third baseman Nolan Arenado will take over the hot corner for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arenado's offensive production has declined as he ages, but his glove and arm remain valuable assets. So, why did the San Diego Padres want him to play first base?
"With Manny Machado entrenched at third, the Padres intended Arenado to play first base," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Wednesday. "The holdup, according to those briefed on the talks, was that the Padres were unwilling to take on as much of Arenado’s salary as the D-Backs."
Since making his Major League debut in 2013, Arenado has never made an appearance at another position in the infield besides third base.
Who will play first for the Padres?
Trade deadline acquisition Ryan O'Hearn signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Luis Arraez, who spent the past one and a half years with the Padres, remains a free agent.
Internal first base options include Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets. However, there are several potential low-cost free agents available.
Like Arenado, right-handed hitters the Padres could target include Rhys Hoskins, Paul Goldschmidt, Ty France, and Justin Turner. But Rosenthal added that the Diamondbacks could "loom as a potential fit" for Goldschmidt, even after making the trade for Arenado.
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