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Arizona Diamondbacks: Kevin Cron signs with SSG Landers

By David Hill

Jun 7, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Kevin Cron (32) hits a three run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Kevin Cron (32) hits a three run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Cron just never received much of a chance with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The slugging first baseman had annihilated minor league pitching but was unable to crack the major league lineup. Released by the Diamondbacks after the 2020 season, he had signed in Japan, but struggled in his first chance at Nippon Professional Baseball.

Despite those struggles, Cron is getting another chance, albeit in a different league. He has signed with the SSG Landers in the Korean Baseball Organization for the 2022 campaign.

Former Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Kevin Cron hoping to revive career in KBO

Cron’s first season overseas did not go as hoped. He struggled with the Hiroshima Carp, producing a miserable .231/.270/.431 batting line in his 137 plate appearances, hitting eight doubles and six homers. Based on that production, it is understandable why the Carp did not bring him back.

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He has the potential to be a much better player than he showed in Japan. Cron has battered Triple-A pitching, producing a .319/.405/.651 batting line in his 812 plate appearances, hitting 60 homers and 48 doubles. He showed solid plate discipline with that production as well, drawing 97 walks while striking out 177 times.

That success has not translated to the major league level. While Cron has not gotten much of a chance, with only 98 plate appearances, he has produced a disappointing .170/.245/.420 batting line. He has hit six homers in that time, but has also struck out 35 times with just five walks. That performance, despite his Triple-A track record, is not going to result in many chances.

It is possible that Cron’s time in the KBO can work wonders for his career. A strong showing with the Landers could lead to another major league opportunity, particularly with a team looking for a long term cornerstone. Cron is going to be 29 years old at the start of the 2022 season, and still has a few years of his theoretical prime left.

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Kevin Cron has signed a one year deal with the SSG Landers in the Korean Baseball Organization. The former Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman could resurrect his career overseas.

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