The San Diego Padres have been quiet this offseason after falling short in the National League Division Series against the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
They are a finalist for Roki Sasaki, but there is no guarantee they will sign the right-hander. There are other areas of the roster they could focus on however, if they do not land Sasaki.
Back in December, they were listed as one of Nolan Arenado’s preferred trade destinations, and Ethan Hyatt of Just Baseball believes they could still be in play for the 10-time Gold Glove winner.
“Arenado’s defense doesn’t bring as much to the table for the Padres as it does for other teams, however, as they already have former Platinum Glove winner Manny Machado at third base. Fortunately, Arenado has made it clear that he’d be open to moving to first base if an acquiring team needed that from him,” Hyatt wrote.
Because of Manny Machado, Arenado might have to at least occasionally play some first base or be used as a designated hitter. San Diego could also have Machado move positions and shuffle other players around.
But Arenado would be a big addition to a team that is attempting to contend now and give them a chance to give the Dodgers a run for their money in the NL West.
The eight-time All-Star struggled in St. Louis last season, hitting a career-low 16 home runs and posting an underwhelming .719 OPS. But playing for a contending team could help him revitalize his career.
We’ll see if the Padres decide to make a run at Arenado.
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