The San Diego Padres pulled off the biggest blockbuster trade of the MLB offseason so far when they sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees. If that deal didn’t end up coming to fruition, though, it sounds like the Padres were exploring a trade that would have sent Jake Cronenworth packing instead of Soto and Grisham.
Over the past few seasons, Cronenworth has turned himself into a versatile fielder who can play several different positions while still providing solid production at the plate. However, with the Padres looking to clear up their books and restock their farm system, they were discussing a trade that would have sent Cronenworth to the Toronto Blue Jays, before they eventually pulled off their deal with the Yankees.
“The Padres discussed infielder Jake Cronenworth with the Blue Jays and other clubs before sending outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees. A trade of Cronenworth now appears less likely, in part because the Padres do not want to subtract a third left-handed hitter.” – Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic