The San Diego Padres are facing a challenging offseason as they seek to reduce payroll. Key players under consideration for trades include Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth. While trading these players could alleviate some financial burden, MLB insider Mark Feinsand cautions that the Padres may not secure sufficient value in return. Arraez is set to earn $14 million in his final season before free agency, and Cronenworth has six years and $73 million left on his contract, making substantial returns uncertain.

The Padres had hoped to trade players after acquiring Roki Sasaki, but that plan fell through when Sasaki opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead. The Dodgers have been active in the free-agent market, signing former Padres players Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, further intensifying the pressure on San Diego. Meanwhile, other NL West rivals, like the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks, have strengthened their rosters with notable signings.

Despite the urgency, A.J. Preller, the Padres' president of baseball operations, suggests the team's strategy may involve making moves later in the offseason, expressing confidence in the core roster while acknowledging the need for additional talent. The Padres must navigate the difficult balance of shedding payroll while enhancing team performance amidst a competitive division.

The MLB Players Association has announced its leadership for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt taking on a key role as one of the two Player Representatives.

He joins Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, who retains his position. Other new appointments include Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth as alternate representatives.

Bassitt, entering his 12th MLB season, has had a notable career, including a strong performance in 2023, and is now poised to influence the players' union significantly.

Nolan Arenado is at the forefront of trade discussions, with multiple teams expressing interest in the St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are leading contenders, with the Dodgers' connection stemming from Arenado's childhood fandom and recent social media activity.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi highlighted the growing list of potential suitors, including the San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers, as they seek to enhance their rosters. The key factor in any trade will be how much of Arenado's contract the Cardinals are willing to absorb.

The San Diego Padres have signed first baseman Trenton Brooks to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. This move provides depth for the Padres' infield, especially if Xander Bogaerts shifts back to shortstop.

Brooks, known for his strong plate discipline, has a solid minor league track record but faced challenges during his brief stint with the San Francisco Giants. His performance could offer the Padres flexibility as they navigate their roster and payroll constraints.