San Diego Padres: Keep an eye on Esteban Quiroz at second

The San Diego Padres have an opening at second base, but an unheralded internal option may be their best choice.

The San Diego Padres find themselves with an unexpected opening in their infield. With the trade of Luis Urias to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Padres are now in search of a second baseman. There are certainly plenty of options available in free agency, affording San Diego the luxury of being patient and possibly finding a bargain later in the offseason.

The Padres also have a plethora of internal options. Ian Kinsler is still on the roster, but disappointed in his 281 plate appearances last season. Greg Garcia showed an ability to get on base last year, but has virtually zero power. Utility infielder Ty France could also get a look at second, given his 16 extra base hits in 201 plate appearances and adequate defense at the keystone.

However, there is another option in the Padres system that may be somewhat overlooked. Esteban Quiroz, a 28 year old veteran of the Mexican League, produced excellent numbers at AAA last year, and could receive a long look during Spring Training.

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Acquired during the previous offseason for middle reliever Colten Brewer, Quiroz is not the type of player that would profile as a top prospect due to his age. However, he did put together a promising 2019 campaign in El Paso, producing a .271/.384/.539 batting line, hitting 19 homers and 25 doubles in 366 plate appearances.

Quiroz does not necessarily have the look of a major league player. He is listed at 5’6″ and 175 pounds, a slightly stockier version of Jose Altuve. However, he does have a good amount of patience at the plate and solid bat to ball skills. He gets the most out of his frame, with respectable pop to all fields.

Although Quiroz has primarily played second since joining affiliated ball, he does have experince around the infield. During his time in the Mexican League, he played at third, short, left, and right as well. However, given his below average arm, second is likely his future home.

For Quiroz to force his way into the Padres plans, he will likely need to hit his way onto the roster. At this point, he has proven he can hit during his time in the minors, and should get a look in Spring Training. With Esteury Ruiz also making his way through the system, Quiroz may only have one chance to make an impression.

With the San Diego Padres now looking for a second baseman, they have an intriguing internal option. Esteban Quiroz has done nothing but hit since joining the affiliated ranks, and could be worth a look in the coming year.