The San Diego Padres are reportedly looking to shake up their roster, with two key stars on the trade block, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The team is actively exploring deals for both players as part of an effort to reduce payroll and retool following a disappointing postseason exit in the NLDS against the Dodgers, despite a solid 2024 regular season.
Top star signed an 11-year, $280 million contract before the 2023 season, and Cronenworth, who is in the early years of a seven-year extension, have now emerged as key trade candidates. Moving these contracts would significantly ease the Padres’ financial commitments, with $225 million still owed to Bogaerts over the next nine years and $71 million remaining on Cronenworth’s deal through 2030.
However, trading them won’t be straightforward. Bogaerts holds a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over any potential deal, while Cronenworth has a limited no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to eight specific teams. These protections, combined with the size of their contracts, could limit the Padres’ flexibility in finding trade partners.
If the Padres can find teams willing to absorb a significant portion of their salaries, they could gain valuable financial flexibility to address other roster needs and potentially bring in younger talent to keep their competitive window open.
Padres in talks with Orioles about Dylan Cease trade
The San Diego Padres are also engaged in trade discussions with the Baltimore Orioles regarding pitcher Dylan Cease. Despite Cease being under contract for just one more year, he has drawn significant interest from multiple teams, with the Orioles actively pursuing an ace to fill the void left by Corbin Burnes’ departure in free agency.
According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, the Padres have inquired about some of Baltimore’s top prospects, including Samuel Basallo, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo. However, the Orioles have made it clear that those players are not available in trade talks.
While the Padres are reportedly hesitant to move Cease—who posted a strong 3.47 ERA in 2024 and played a key role in their playoff run—they may be open to a deal if it helps them recoup valuable assets and reduce payroll. Cease’s combination of elite talent and affordable salary makes him a highly attractive trade chip, which could allow San Diego to demand a significant return despite his rental status.
These high-stakes trade discussions, combined with their efforts to move Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth, could significantly reshape the Padres’ roster. If they manage to shed payroll while acquiring promising young talent, San Diego could position itself for a more flexible and competitive 2025 season.