3 good free agent fits for a lacking Padres infield

The San Diego Padres seem to have finally started their offseason, making two key additions in the past week after a fruitless first few months. Resigning catcher Elias Diaz to a one year deal on Friday followed by the much needed extension with Michael King ensuring he will be a Padre in 2025, the team can now look towards a number of other roster gaps that need to be filled.

Even as the Padres have made a habit of signing shortstop after shortstop in recent years, they now find themselves searching for any type of infield depth. Trade options and free agents are still available for AJ Preller to jump on, but with Jorge Polanco’s recent resigning with the Mariners, the number of serviceable players the Padres would want on their roster is falling. Luckily, a number of quality players that could slot into a utility or even starting role are still available.

Brendan Rodgers

After being non-tenured by the Rockies in November following six years spent in Colorado, second baseman Brendan Rodgers could be a valuable addition to any team in the MLB. The 2022 Gold Glove winner is coming off a 2024 where he put up decent numbers at the plate with a .267/.314./.407 line in 135 games, with a hamstring injury and shoulder injury sidelining him for a number of games.

Rodgers spent a majority of his time at second base for the Rockies, while filling in at designated hitter on certain occasions. Primarily a second baseman, Rodgers did spend some time at shortstop early in his career, something the Padres could be looking for as they try to find a Ha-Seong Kim replacement. With both Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts on the roster, Rodgers may be fighting for time at second, but he would provide much needed infield depth as well as a solid bat.

Nicky Lopez

Another six-year veteran, Nicky Lopez spent the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox playing both middle infield positions. A career .248 hitter, Lopez is pure contact at the plate, with the ability to hit the ball to all parts of the field. Looking to lower payroll, Lopez could be a decent option for Preller and the Padres, costing the White Sox $4.3 million in 2024 for a one-year contract.

Although his power numbers are lower than Rodgers, Lopez has the upside of being able to play more positions than Rodgers. On top of being a defensive solid middle infielder, Lopez has spent time at third base, first base, and what may be the most important secondary position of his, left field. After losing Jurickson Profar to the Braves, the Padres are still looking for a MLB quality replacement. Able to play both infield and outfield, Lopez could slot in nicely as a utility bench piece for Mike Schildt in 2025.

Paul DeJong

The oldest of the three options, 31-year-old Paul DeJong is looking for a career resurgence to bring him back to the success he found in St. Louis. Starting his 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox before a move to the Kansas City Royals, the one time All-Star and 2017 Rookie of the Year runner-up has played serviceable defense primarily at short during his career, although recent seasons have seen him spend time at both third and second.

DeJong’s offensive numbers are the worst of the three, putting up a .229/.295/.419 line over his eight year career, but a solid veteran presence much like the roles played by Donovan Solano or David Peralta in 2024 could be useful for a young Padres team. Certainly the cheapest option, a one-year contract could cost less than a couple million for San Diego, something that will certainly improve his attractiveness for the front office.