San Diego, California – Sock-shocker in Seattle? Rumors are swirling that the Mariners could swoop in for San Diego Padres’ two-time All-Star, Jake Cronenworth—with a $60 million price tag attached. The Emerald City squad is seeing mammoth gaps in the infield, with both Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez missing from last year’s October run. Sure, the front office might try to bring these familiar faces back, but a blockbuster trade could be in the cards instead.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel just fanned the flames with their latest bombshell piece. The duo dropped Cronenworth’s name among the most likely big-ticket stars to be shipped off—and the Mariners are right in the mix. Why? With Josh Naylor locking down first base, Seattle still has second and third up for grabs. Cronenworth, who’s nabbed two All-Star selections in just six seasons and offers flexibility at both first and second, is turning heads as the perfect fit.
But here’s where things get juicy—San Diego’s dealing with a financial migraine and some heavy lifting required in their pitching rotation, especially with Joe Musgrove rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and Nick Pivetta on the mound. Moving Cronenworth—still owed $60 million over five years—could be their golden ticket to salary relief. According to McDaniel and Passan, San Diego’s desire to unload salary makes Cronenworth the easiest player to flip, pegging his odds of being traded at a tantalizing 25%.
The Mariners aren’t alone, though. Pittsburgh, Miami, and Kansas City are also lurking. But with San Diego desperate to cut spending, a deal is more than possible—if the price is right.
One twist: Although Cronenworth’s spent plenty of time at second and first, he’s logged just a single major league game at third—back in 2020, thanks mainly to Manny Machado anchoring the hot corner. Is a move to third possible in Seattle? Never say never! Mariners fans, buckle up—hot stove season is heating up and Cronenworth could be the missing piece for a run in 2024.
