3 years agoThe San Diego Padres, who had the second-largest payroll in baseball last year, have jumped into the bidding war for free-agent All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, according to a person with direct knowledge of the talks. It could be because the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers are perceived as the favorites for Freeman's services, but the Padres are serious in their intentions. They would like to trade incumbent first baseman Eric Hosmer, who has four years and $59 million remaining on his contract, but there is room for both players with the designated hitter now in the National League. Despite all the money spent in 2021, the Padres had an epic collapse and didn't make the playoffs. To make matters worse, star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (wrist) will miss three months with a fractured wrist. Freeman's power production would surely help during Tatis' absence to begin the season.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale