Padres Made Trade Offer for Star Infielder in Spring Training: Report

Matt Levine | Apr 7, 2024

The San Diego Padres entered the 2024 season determined to put their failures from last year behind them. After failing to reach the postseason last October, San Diego spent the offseason trying to build out a more well-rounded squad, even with their limited budget.

Just before the start of the season, the Padres made a trade to bring in ace right-hander Dylan Cease. But that isn't the only deal that the Padres tried to make. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin, San Diego made a strong trade offer to the Miami Marlins for star infielder Luis Arraez.

"The San Diego Padres showed interest in Arraez throughout the offseason and made a strong offer for him during spring training, according to sources briefed on the Marlins’ discussions. A Padres source, however, said the team was more focused on Luzardo, who represented an alternative in trade conversations to right-hander Dylan Cease, the pitcher San Diego acquired from the Chicago White Sox on March 13."

The Marlins came into the year looking to build on their postseason appearance last year, but they have started less than ideally. Miami has struggled out of the gates, so the thought of them moving on from a player like Arraez has risen in recent days.

We could see the Padres return to the thought of trying to acquire Arraez, who would give them even more firepower to use this year. The veteran infielder has gotten off to a slow start offensively this year, but he has hit at least .300 in four of his first five big league seasons.

Last year, he hit .354 with 10 home runs and 69 runs batted in with Miami. If he can have a productive first part of the season and the Marlins continue to struggle, look for the team to move him. San Diego president of baseball operations A.J. Preller moves in secret when he makes moves, so don't be surprised to see the Friars active ahead of the trade deadline.