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San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth's offseason began sooner than he hoped.
The first baseman broke his wrist after getting hit by a pitch in late August. But for him, it was a "blessing in disguise."
He was in the midst of a disappointing season with a slash line of .229/.312/.378 and was forced to watch the Padres' underwhelming season come to an end from the bench.
Cronenworth spoke with the media at Spring Training on Thursday and addressed last season and how this offseason differed from others.
"Obviously not the year I wanted to have last year. I think it may have been a blessing in disguise putting myself in the offseason. I'm growing and learning and trying to become a better player."
Jake Cronenworth said that he made himself "vulnerable" going into this offseason and called it probably one of the most productive off-seasons he's had.
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) February 15, 2024
Cronenworth: "Obviously not the year I wanted to have last year, but I think it may have been a blessing in disguise." pic.twitter.com/seuYxDQWDL
Losing Cronenworth last season was a blow to the Padres, who were seven games out of a Wild Card spot.
During his last 30-game stretch, he was a steady bat in a struggling lineup by slashing .288/.331/.441.
Although it was disappointing to go out with an injury, Cronenworth took advantage of the extra to prepare himself for this season. He is a core piece of the team and will be looked to for leadership on the field and in the clubhouse.
"Breaking my wrist is not the way you want to end the season but I think where I ended after that happened but me in a position where I had to be (vulnerable). Going into the offseason and get faster, stronger and make some swing adjustments and coming into this season, it's probably one of the most productive offseasons I've had."
His hard work in the offseason paid off with an impressive round of batting practice on Saturday that had some of his teammates cheering.
Jake Cronenworth’s teammate liked this swing. pic.twitter.com/8IsBZHnowj
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) February 17, 2024
Cronenworth and the Padres will face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Feb. 22 in their first Cactus League game at Peoria Sports Complex.
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