San Diego Padres fans might be in for an exciting offseason as the team looks to bolster its roster in a bid to finally surpass the Los Angeles Dodgers. After years of playing second fiddle in the NL West, the Padres could steal a march on their rivals by securing one of the game’s top players: Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Padres in the Mix for Arenado
The Padres and Dodgers are reportedly both on Arenado’s radar, but San Diego might have an edge. While the Dodgers appear hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal, the Padres could swoop in and strike a game-changing trade.
Arenado, a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove winner, would be a significant addition to any team. His bat and glove are among the best in baseball, and his experience could provide the Padres with the push they need to contend for a championship.
But does San Diego have room for another star infielder?
The Proposed Trade
Here’s how a potential deal could look:
- San Diego Padres receive: 3B Nolan Arenado, $20 million
- St. Louis Cardinals receive: OF Tirso Ornelas (No. 18 prospect)
This trade, while straightforward, raises questions about roster fit and the Padres’ willingness to shuffle their current infield stars. Arenado’s addition would create a logjam, with players like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts already locked into significant roles. However, the Padres could explore creative ways to realign their roster.
For the Cardinals, Ornelas offers promise. The 23-year-old outfielder had a breakout season in Triple-A, posting an impressive .864 OPS. He could be a valuable piece for St. Louis as they look to retool for the future.
Challenges in Making Room for Arenado
The Padres’ infield is already stacked with high-priced talent, including Machado, Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth, and Ha-Seong Kim. Adding Arenado would require some significant maneuvering. One possibility could involve offloading other players to create financial flexibility and lineup space.
However, this strategy isn’t without risks. Moving established players like Cronenworth or Kim could disrupt team chemistry. Additionally, the Padres have to weigh the cost of acquiring Arenado against their current needs.
Still, Arenado’s elite defense and offensive prowess are tough to ignore.
Why the Cardinals Might Bite
For the Cardinals, trading Arenado would signal a shift toward rebuilding or retooling their roster. By acquiring Ornelas, they would add a young, controllable outfielder with significant upside.
Ornelas has shown steady improvement throughout his career and could compete for a roster spot as early as 2025. His offensive profile aligns with the Cardinals’ needs, providing depth in an area where they’ve struggled in recent seasons.
Financially, the inclusion of $20 million in the trade package could make the deal more palatable for the Padres while easing the Cardinals’ payroll concerns.
Could This Deal Actually Happen?
While the idea of Arenado in a Padres uniform is intriguing, it’s not without its hurdles. San Diego’s infield surplus makes this deal unlikely unless significant roster moves are made. Additionally, the Padres’ front office would need to be confident that Arenado’s addition would translate into tangible on-field success.
For now, this trade remains speculative. But if the Padres decide to get aggressive this winter, Arenado could be the piece that helps them leapfrog the Dodgers in the NL West.
