Underrated Player Series:

Second Basemen Jake Cronenworth

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

10/6/2020

            The next player to focus on in the Underrated Player Series is San Diego Padres Second Basemen Jake Cronenworth. As this piece will focus on the Padres rookie middle infielder who has put together a strong first big-league season. As he has gone from forgotten trade piece, to consistent contributor in a deep Padres line-up. This piece will analyze Cronenworth’s rookie season overall. Highlighting his statistics and how they stack up against the rest of his rookie class. While projecting the type of star level player he could become.

            First, we must delve into the numbers he put in his rookie season. The 26-year-old rookie hit .285 with a .354 on-base percentage in 172 plate appearances, scoring 26 runs in 54 games. He also hit 15 doubles, 3 triples, 4 homers, and drove in 20 runs. While committing just 3 errors, with a s .975 fielding percentage. As he played 4 different positions, but primarily second base. The numbers he put up offensively lineup right along with his minor league career. As Cronenworth hit .283 in 4 minor league seasons, with a .978 fielding percentage. Showing he has carried his minor league success right to the majors. In terms of where his numbers rank among his rookie class he fits in well among his peers. As Cronenworth finished with the sixth best batting average among rookies to play at least 30 games. This while his 22 extra base hits and 20 rbi’s place him 1st and 7th among rookies, respectively. He even had the third best OPS among all second basemen at .831. All these numbers show how Cronenworth forced his way out of a utility role planned for him to start the year. Becoming a rookie of the year contender and everyday second basemen.

            Cronenworth has also shined bright in his first taste of the postseason thus far. Hitting .625 in San Diego’s 3-game Wild Card Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Collecting 5 hits, including 1 triple, 1 homer, and 2 walks. With his standout game being a 3 for 4 with a homer performance in the Padres decisive 4-0 victory in the series clincher. Cronenworth seized his first major opportunity as a key contributor on a postseason club. It will be intriguing to see how he handles the strong pitching of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the coming NLDS. I see him as a major X-factor for San Diego to get secondary production from. Taking pressure of the stars he works out of the shadows of.

Now for this 26-year-old middle infielder the question remains, will Cronenworth become a mainstay on this gifted San Diego team? While he is slightly on the older end of the spectrum for a rookie, he has not fully entered his prime. His numbers show he adjusted to big league pitching effectively and quickly. While being elite with the glove, contributing to one of the best infield defenses in the sport. If he continues this consistent production Cronenworth should become a staple in the Padres lineup. A player that is another young piece that San Diego can add to their core group to terrorize the National League for years. All signs point to the Padres having found a gem. As Cronenworth has gone from trade piece throw in for Tampa, to a lineup mainstay for a contending Padres team.