San Diego Padres: What to do with Jake Cronenworth?
What does the San Diego Padres recent signing of Ha-Seong Kim mean for Jake Cronenworth?
Aye, survived another holiday season. However, I couldn’t avoid being surprised by an unexpected gift much like San Diego Padres fans. They know that team general manager AJ Preller is constantly looking to upgrade the roster. But the recent signing of Korean infielder Ha-Seong Kim caught everyone by surprise. Now, the next question is what the Padres do with Jake Cronenworth?
What is Cronenworth’s Role With the Padres in 2021?
The obvious answer is to use Cronenworth as a super-utility player because of his versatility in the field. Preller and Padres manager Jayce Tingler love having players who can play multiple positions on their roster. Plus, Cronenworth has the hitting prowess that allows him to step into a larger role if needed due to injury.
He gives the Padres an opportunity to give their regulars an occasional off day that will keep them fresh for a 162 game campaign. Cronenworth has experience at first base, second base, shortstop, and third base, so it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could see some time at either corner outfield position in 2021.
More Padres. Pham pushed for Blake Snell trade. light
Meet Kim, the Padres New Second Baseman
The one recurring theme in the Preller era with the Padres is his ability to add quality players to the roster. And this offseason is no different.
The latest addition is Kim, who is a 25-year old infielder that hit 30 HRs in the Korean Baseball Organization last season. Plus, he has stolen 55 bases over the last two seasons. So, Kim adds power and speed to an already potent batting lineup. He becomes the perfect No. 2 hitter behind Fernando Tatis Jr. in the leadoff spot.
The only question that remains if he can play second base as Kim was primarily a shortstop in Korea. Though scouting reports show him to have an outstanding glove, excellent footwork and a strong arm. Remember, Kim doesn’t need to be flashy, just efficient at fielding all the balls that are hit directly at him.
Cronenworth Lets His Bat do the Talking
So, why is Cronenworth the odd man out of a crowded infield? Well, it might be his limited MLB resume. Cronenworth only has 194 at-bats at the major league level. But no one can deny his impact in last season’s playoff run.
After acquiring Cronenworth from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Padres thought they were getting a prospect who would fill a spot on their Triple A roster. Instead, he became a much-needed spark plug that lengthened the order of the batting lineup. Cronenworth batted .285/.354OBP/.477SLG with four HRs and 12 RBIs in his first season with the Friars.
He had a knack of coming up with key hits, especially with runners in scoring position. And his defensive play at second base was outstanding despite never having played much at the position before last season. This type of production helped Cronenworth to tie for second place with Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Given the success he had last season, it is hard to imagine Cronenworth not being part of the Padres lineup come Opening Day.
Next. Padres should be considered playoff lock. dark
His role may not be defined at the moment, but Cronenworth will play a vital role in the San Diego Padres’ success this summer.