The San Diego Padres have built a reputation for bold, game-changing moves.
Each offseason, they seem to pull off a blockbuster deal, and this year looks to be no exception. After a successful 2024 season with 93 wins, the Padres are looking to bolster their roster further to stay competitive with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made waves this offseason by bringing in Blake Snell, and they don’t appear to be slowing down. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres might look to keep pace by targeting St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado. As one of the biggest names on the trade market, Arenado recently included the Padres on his shortlist of six teams he’d approve a trade to.
FanSided’s Thomas Gauvain suggested a “realistic” trade scenario that could bring Arenado to San Diego.
“The Padres already have Manny Machado at third base, but he could move to second base, with Jake Cronenworth and Luis Arraez rotating between the DH and first base roles,” Gauvain explained. “Alternatively, Arenado could shift to first base, making Arraez the permanent DH. When you break it down, the Padres are actually a strong candidate to acquire Arenado given how both rosters align.”
In Gauvain’s proposal, the Cardinals would receive pitching prospects Bradgley Rodriguez and Francis Pena, ranked 11th and 13th in the Padres’ farm system, respectively. Pena has climbed quickly, reaching Triple-A last season, though his performance there included a 5.17 ERA over 15.2 innings.
In return, the Padres would add an All-Star-caliber third baseman, some financial flexibility, and the ability to reshape their infield around an already strong roster. If this deal could be secured for those two prospects, it would be a smart move for San Diego.
