San Diego Padres

The Padres emerged as suitors for Paul Goldschmidt

So far this offseason, the San Diego Padres have had several key departures from their 2025 postseason squad. One of their key contributors these past two seasons had been Luis Arraez, who primarily served as the team’s first baseman. In 2024, Arraez won a batting title and made the All-Star team, but his performance declined in 2025 as he failed to hit above .300 for the first time since 2021. After the season, Arraez signed with the division rival San Francisco Giants on a one-year deal.

Aside from Arraez, the Padres also lost 2025 trade deadline acquisition Ryan O’Hearn, who also primarily played first base in San Diego. With the Padres, O’Hearn hit .276 with an OPS of .736. After these two departures, the Padres have a hole at first base.

Now, a new report suggests they are going after a former MVP.

San Diego Padres Emerge as a Paul Goldschmidt Suitor

A new report by The New York Post’s Jon Heyman lists the Padres as a potential suitor for Paul Goldschmidt. The seven-time All-Star first baseman is on the downturn of his career at 38 years old, but he can still provide value with his bat and leadership on any roster.

Goldschmidt already spent a majority of his career in the NL West as he played eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In Arizona, Goldschmidt made the All-Star team six times and finished in the top three of MVP voting three times.

Last year with the Yankees, Goldschmidt hit .274 with a .731 OPS. However, his value against left-handed pitching could prove valuable as he hit .336 with a .981 OPS against left handed pitching in 2025. The Padres struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025 as they finished 17th in the league with a 96 wRC+. Against right-handed pitching the Padres were 11th in MLB with a 105 wRC+. 

Adding someone with a history of success against left handed pitching should be one of the priorities for San Diego as they finish rounding out their roster. The Padres already made a move with this mindset as they announced they signed outfielder Miguel Andújar to a one-year deal. In 2025, Andújar hit .389 against left-handed pitching with a .986 OPS and 171 wRC+.

Padres First Base Options

Despite losing both Arraez and O’Hearn, the Padres still have options at first base. Jake Cronenworth primarily played second base in 2025, but he played the 2023 and 2024 seasons as the team’s primary first baseman. Additionally, Gavin Sheets played first base for the Padres in 2025 as well, albeit in limited fashion.

Aside from his batting ability, Goldschmidt could help bring some experience and fielding ability at the position. During his career, he’s won four Gold Gloves. Unfortunately for the Padres, the Yankees remain interested in retaining him, as they enjoyed his contributions during the 2025 season. After the position belonged to Luis Arraez for two seasons, the Padres once again have question marks at first base. Other possible free agent options include veterans like Rhys Hoskins, Nathaniel Lowe, and former Padres player Donovan Solano.

Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer

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