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San Diego Padres prioritizing Jose Abreu in free agency

By David Hill

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Minnesota Twins on September 28, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Minnesota Twins on September 28, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /
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The San Diego Padres have an opening at first base once again. And once again, they are going to swing for the fences to find a solution.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Padres have already been in contact with Jose Abreu’s representatives. He further reported that Abreu is a top priority for the Padres in their quest to find a first base/designated hitter type for the middle of their lineup.

Jose Abreu could be what San Diego Padres need

Abreu would certainly fit that opening. He had another strong season in 2022, posting a .304/.378/.446 batting line with 15 homers and 40 doubles in his 679 plate appearances. Even if the power numbers were down compared to previous seasons, he was still a dangerous part of the lineup.

He also has the sort of track record that the Padres would be looking for. Abreu has five seasons where he has hit at least 30 homers and has driven in at least 100 runs five times, leading the league twice. He is a proven run producer and, although he will be 36 years old to begin the 2023 campaign, is not showing signs of slowing down.

As it currently stands, the infield is in a state of flux for the Padres. Jake Cronenworth is expected to see time at first due to the likely departures of Josh Bell, Wil Myers, and Brandon Drury. Ha-Seong Kim taking over at short puts Fernando Tatis Jr.’s role in question. There are a lot of moving parts and having Abreu on the roster would only complicate that situation.

But that is a good problem for the Padres to have. Cronenworth is more valuable at second and Tatis could help solve their issue in center field. And Tatis could get time on the infield if the Padres want to give Abreu a partial day off as a designated hitter. As the Padres are not only looking to close the gap with the Dodgers, but also bring home their first championship, Abreu could make a significant difference.

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The San Diego Padres are looking to find an answer at first base for 2023. Jose Abreu would be a perfect fit in the middle of their lineup.

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