The Padres have plenty of options at first base, with Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth both returning after splitting time at the position during the 2024 season. They remain the most obvious candidates to start there again in 2025.
There’s still a chance the Padres could trade Arraez (or Cronenworth). But for now, Arraez is penciled in as the starting first baseman, and the team is likely comfortable with that arrangement. He’s also optimistic about having a healthier season after undergoing surgery in October to address a lingering thumb injury from last summer.
That said, the Padres are still likely to explore adding another power hitter who can play first base. Their designated hitter spot remains unfilled, and Arraez’s defensive profile could make him a better fit there than at first. Realistically, he’d probably split time between the two roles, as he did in 2024.
Notably, Arraez is coming off an impressive accomplishment—winning a batting title with his third different team, becoming the first player to achieve that feat. When he clinched it in late September, manager Mike Shildt joked that he didn’t expect Arraez to make it four teams. The likeliest outcome? Arraez will chase his fourth batting title—halfway to Tony Gwynn—as the Padres’ first baseman in 2025.
However, the team may still explore adding another first-base option to their roster. Neither Arraez nor Cronenworth fits the traditional first-base mold, and there’s a compelling argument that both players would be better utilized at other positions.
Their roles at first base will largely depend on the other moves the Padres make this offseason. With about a month remaining before Spring Training, the team has been relatively quiet so far.
Before diving into the specifics of the first-base situation, let’s take a closer look at where things currently stand across the organization.Currently, it’s Arraez who appears to be the most likely choice to start there on Opening Day. While Cronenworth is exceptional defensively at first base, the Padres sacrifice some value by moving him from second base, where his glove truly shines.
Arraez may not match Cronenworth’s defensive prowess, but he prefers playing in the field over serving as a designated hitter. At the moment, the Padres don’t seem to have another clear solution at first base.
If they were to sign a shortstop, it’s possible Xander Bogaerts could shift back to second, allowing Cronenworth to return to first. For now, however, Arraez holds the spot at first base—though it’s expected the Padres will likely add a hitter this offseason who can handle the position.
Both Arraez and Cronenworth have been floated as potential trade candidates this offseason, and it’s easy to understand why. Arraez is reportedly set to earn $14 million in 2025, while Cronenworth is under contract for roughly $12 million annually over the next six seasons.
If the Padres aim to address roster needs while staying under the luxury tax threshold, they might consider trading a player to free up salary. Both Arraez and Cronenworth are making substantial money and could bring back a solid return in a deal.
However, they aren’t necessarily the likeliest players to be moved. The Padres have other trade assets, particularly in their pitching staff. Trading Arraez or Cronenworth would also create a new void on the infield, complicating the roster further.
Fresh off winning his third consecutive batting title, Arraez continues to be one of the game’s most distinctive players. In August and September, he went 141 consecutive plate appearances without striking out—the longest such streak in two decades. His knack for making contact and spoiling tough pitches makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
However, Arraez’s skill set comes with some limitations. He doesn’t draw many walks, and his lack of power is notable for someone playing a position often occupied by sluggers. These factors make him one of the league’s more polarizing players.
The Padres, though, have shown a greater appreciation for Arraez’s unique abilities than most teams. Whether that admiration extends to a long-term contract remains an open question. While discussions have yet to begin, Arraez has expressed his willingness to stay.
“If they want to sign me, I want to stay here,” Arraez said after the 2024 season. “This is business. I understand the business. But I hope I stay here for a long time.”
There’s still a chance the Padres could trade Arraez (or Cronenworth). But for now, Arraez is penciled in as the starting first baseman, and the team is likely comfortable with that arrangement. He’s also optimistic about having a healthier season after undergoing surgery in October to address a lingering thumb injury from last summer.
That said, the Padres are still likely to explore adding another power hitter who can play first base. Their designated hitter spot remains unfilled, and Arraez’s defensive profile could make him a better fit there than at first. Realistically, he’d probably split time between the two roles, as he did in 2024.
Notably, Arraez is coming off an impressive accomplishment—winning a batting title with his third different team, becoming the first player to achieve that feat. When he clinched it in late September, manager Mike Shildt joked that he didn’t expect Arraez to make it four teams. The likeliest outcome? Arraez will chase his fourth batting title—halfway to Tony Gwynn—as the Padres’ first baseman in 2025.
