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With an ability to play every infield position, Jake Cronenworth provides great value for the San Diego Padres.
Few players embody the grit and adaptability of Padres baseball quite like Jake Cronenworth.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, the 31-year-old infielder has become a cornerstone of the franchise, both at the plate and on the field.
Cronenworth was initially acquired by the Padres in 2019 in the same trade that brought Tommy Pham to San Diego. The infielder made his debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, hitting .285 in 54 games. Cronenworth also placed second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Fast forward five years, and Jake Cronenworth is in the middle of his seven-year, $80 million contract extension signed in 2023, keeping him under team control through 2030.
Cronenworth’s extension was, at the time, the biggest deal ever for a player his age, then 29, with less than four years of service. The deal highlighted the value the Padres placed on him, both at the plate and in his versatility on the field. This versatility was highlighted in 2025, as he even made appearances at shortstop. This flexibility is one of Jake Cronenworth’s biggest assets, aside from the energy he brings to the clubhouse and at the plate.
Apple Maps has a location called “the Crone Zone” in right field, Cronenworth’s classic homerun sweet spot at Petco Park. Additionally, many fans will remember his clutch two-run go-ahead single to center field in the 2022 NLDS against the Dodgers. This moment, along with his infectious smile, won over the hearts of countless San Diegans and will be a lasting memory for years to come.
Looking at his numbers, in 2023, the left-handed hitter appeared in 127 games, slashing .229/.312/.378 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. The season was a significant step back from his 2021-22 peaks, where he posted an OPS north of .770, but ended on a high note with a .998 fielding percentage at first base before injuries sidelined him.
The 2024 season marked the beginning of the incline at the plate for him, playing a career-high 155 games and boosting his slash line to .241/.324/.390. His 17 homers and 83 RBIs highlighted newfound pop; as his 17 long balls were a personal best. He also cut down his strikeout rate slightly.
Last season, in 2025, the infielder delivered his most complete season yet, although hampered by minor nagging issues. Batting .246/.367/.377, he drew a career-high 69 walks, pushing his OBP to a robust .367 and his wOBA to .333. Jake Cronenworth’s eleven home runs and 59 RBIs demonstrated his steady run production and ability to “do a job”.
Arguably, the best part of Cronenworth’s 2025 campaign was his versatility.
After spending 2024 primarily at first base, he transitioned to the Padres full-time time starting second base. However, due to an injury to Xander Bogaerts, Cronenworth also played a handful of games at shortstop, where he looked shockingly athletic. Of note, he also appeared at first base a few times. This flexibility and adaptability have made Jake Cronenworth even more of an asset for San Diego, but the real question may be, how will he fit into the 2026 Padres picture?
Jake Cronenworth’s athleticism has shown he can be plugged in basically anywhere on the infield; however, it is clear he is best at second base. Depending on whether or not the Padres bring back All-Star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn or three-time batting title winner Luis Arraez, Cronenworth could also be a contender for starting at first base. With Bogaerts and Machado locking down shortstop and third base, respectively, it is evident that the right-handed thrower will fit in best again at second base, with some possible time at first. The left-handed hitter may also be a DH candidate on certain days.
In the lineup, Jake Cronenworth opened the 2025 campaign hitting seventh.
Depending on the Padres’ offseason moves, he should fall somewhere between the six and the eight hole in the lineup. This allows Jake Cronenworth the opportunity to provide a spark in the bottom third of the Padres lineup and drive in runs.
Ultimately, one thing is clear: the infielder has improved each of his last seasons both offensively and defensively and continues to be an increasingly valuable asset for the Friars. The 2026 season is on track to be another great year for Cronenworth, and A.J. Preller and the Padres are sure to be happy to have a consistent, versatile tool in their toolbox under contract through 2030.
Billy has spent a majority of his life following San Diego sports and worked in San Diego for many years. Now residing in Newport Beach he recently obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Chapman University and now works as an Attorney. Billy enjoys supporting the Padres and SDFC from Orange County and making the drive down for big games. He is passionate about analytics and writing about sports.
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