Padres Linked to Brewers First Baseman Jake Bauers
The San Diego Padres have been identified as a potential fit for free-agent first baseman Jake Bauers after his standout 2026 season with Milwaukee.
On November 3, Jake Bauers emerged as a possible target for the San Diego Padres, who may need to replace first baseman Ty France. Mark Feinsand linked Bauers to the Padres as the club weighs how to address its roster during an offseason that could be extended by an impending MLB lockout.
Bauers, who turns 31, had the strongest major-league season of his career in 2026. The Milwaukee Brewers first baseman posted a .266 batting average, .389 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage, with an .874 OPS and 3.3 bWAR. His career batting average entering the season was .211. He also hit .286 with a .983 OPS in the National League Championship Series.
Bauers earned $2.7 million in 2026 to avoid arbitration. Spotrac projects a four-year contract worth nearly $58 million, or about $14.5 million per season. France, who joined San Diego on a minor-league deal last offseason, had a 4.5-bWAR season and an OPS+ nearly 40% above league average; his projected deal is three years and $49 million, averaging about $16.4 million annually.
San Diego has already committed more than $100 million to five players through at least 2030. Bauers could offer a younger, less expensive alternative at first base, though the projected contract would still be a major investment. The Padres face offseason roster decisions before December 1.