San Diego’s push for flexibility might start with a player fans penciled into the lineup card for years to come.
There is one uncomfortable reality for the San Diego Padres' offseason: Their most clear-cut 2026 trade asset isn't some non-impact role player, nor is it a top prospect who has been blocked by talent.
This is why the inclusion of Jake Cronenworth's name among its 2026 trade candidates raises some eyebrows in San Diego. Many see Cronenworth, as well as others on this list, less as a mainstay and more as a mid-level, long term contract that clubs will trade when they want to realign their books, but not blow up the entire roster.