Three potential landing spots if Padres trade Jake Cronenworth

ORLANDO — Expect the trade rumors surrounding San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth to heat up as the MLB winter meetings get started this week here in Orlando.

As USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale pointed out on Sunday, the Padres "have aggressively shopped infielder Jake Cronenworth" in the hopes of cutting payroll that can then be put back into the team on the mound. San Diego enters this offseason as one of numerous teams that are looking for help in the rotation, and Cronenworth is in the midst of a seven-year, $80 million deal that runs through 2030.

If the Padres do decide to trade the 31-year-old Cronenworth sometime this offseason, here are three potential landing spots (listed in alphabetical order) that make sense.

Cincinnati Reds

Playing in one of MLB's most offense-friendly stadiums (Great American Ball Park), Cincinnati was 19th in OPS last season. While the Reds still made the postseason, there were plenty of holes on the roster where improvements can be made this offseason.

Cincinnati needs bats and help in the infield (where the Reds were woeful offensively outside of shortstop Elly De La Cruz), so Cronenworth could be a solid fit as the Reds look to challenge again in the National League Central.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Yes, this would require the Pirates to spend some money, but Pittsburgh needs some infield help if it is going to boost its lineup in 2026. Shortstop is the only infield position in 2025 where the Pirates finished in the positive in Wins Above Average, and that was just at 0.3. Cronenworth would fit in well in Pittsburgh if the Pirates are willing to take on the contract in exchange for his versatility and offensive possibilities.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners were agonizingly close to making the World Series last year, and Cronenworth could make an immediate impact at second base if he lands in Seattle. Last season, Seattle was 17th among MLB's 30 teams in Wins Above Average at second base at minus-0.4.

With key pieces of the 2025 Mariners late-season lineup still in limbo, including Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suarez, Seattle is looking to add a bat to its lineup. Cronenworth could be an option for that veteran bat.