In an interesting twist, the San Diego Padres have added to their stellar already infield. An infield cast that includes 2021 All-Stars Manny Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Fernando Tatis Jr. will be joined by Adam Frazier, making an all-2021 NL All-Star infield, assuming that former All-Star first baseman Eric Hosmer is the odd man out on the depth chart.

The Padres, despite sitting in third place entering play today, are 58-44 on the season with a stranglehold on the second NL Wild Card spot. Buying was a formality, but adding one of the national league’s best hitters this season is a bit of a surprising considering Jake Cronenworth, Jurickson Profar and Ha-Seong Kim are all on their major league roster. It’s clear that while Cronenworth’s versatility allows him to play all four infield positions, third and shortstop aren’t up for grabs. Adding a player the caliber of Frazier to a loaded offense is certainly a good problem to have, however, as Frazier’s posted a 3.1 WAR in 2021 and currently leads the National League in hits. While Frazier doesn’t provide ample amounts of power, but he does offer an abundance of contact and a knack for getting on base.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal is reporting that three prospects are going to San Diego: Padres #5 prospect Tucupita Marcano, pitching prospect Mitchell Mulano and OF prospect Jack Suwinski. Heading to San Diego as well is cash, which gives them the flexibility financially to make a move for a bat. Frazier will be paid around league-minimum by the Padres in 2021, but have the opportunity to go to his final year of arbitration heading into 2022.

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