Pirates Land Padres All-Star in Mock Trade

Cronenworth had his best two seasons with the Padres in 2021 and 2022, earning back-to-back All-Star nods.

He hit a career-high 21 home runs in 2021, posting career-highs in hits (151), doubles (33), slugging percentage (.460) and OPS (.800), while his 2022 season saw him post his best batting average (.289), RBI (88) and walks (70).

The soon-to-be 32-year-old also has postseason experience, playing in 28 games over four playoffs and slashing .216/.303/.320 for an OPS of .623.

Should the Pirates Trade Keller for Cronenworth?

Cronenworth is a left-handed batting second baseman, which is something the Pirates have targeted this offseason, thanks to the friendlier dimensions of PNC Park towards lefties.

This includes a free agent in Jorge Polanco of the Seattle Mariners, plus trade pieces in Brendan Donovan and Nolan Gorman of the St. Louis Cardinals, Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays and Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets.

Cronenworth does have a reasonable contract, making near $12.3 million per season for the next five years through the 2030 season, as a part of a seven-year, $80 million contract.

Still, his power is a bit lacking for the money he's making next season, with just 11 home runs in 2025, the second-least of his career.

Lowe would serve as a better trade option for the Pirates, after he hit 31 home runs last season and has hit 20 or more home runs in the four seasons he's played more than 100 games, even with just one year left on his extension from 2019.

Polanco is also a smarter decision in free agency, belting 26 home runs in 2025 and the Pirates could get him on a better deal, more money per year, but less length.

The Pirates do need power in 2026, especially after hitting the least home runs in baseball last season at just 117, but there are better options than Cronenworth.

Reuter's use of prospects along with Cronenworth does make it more enticing, but trading Keller for him and some potentially good players in years to come isn't the strategy the Pirates should take, especially if they're looking to make the World Series next season.

If the Padres added another consistent bat, perhaps a top 100 prospect, and a veteran relief pitcher, then that starts to make a trade more reasonable for Keller.