It wasn't the season the San Diego Padres hoped for from first baseman Jake Cronenworth in 2023. Cronenworth wasn't quite as effective this past season, especially compared to the numbers he put up during the two years prior.
In 2023, Cronenworth's batting stats also took a dip. Cronenworth had 54 runs in 2023, compared to 88 in 2022 and 94 in 2021. His 10 home runs also trailed the 17 from 2022 and 21 in 2021.
Even with this downward trend, Padres manager Mike Shildt is confident in Cronenworth's ability to rebound in 2024.
"I definitely have confidence he is going rebound," Shildt said. "He played a really good defensive first base, which is where we’re looking to have him start the season. He does intangible things really well, which don’t show up in some of the things you can evaluate from a number standpoint."
Cronenworth was rewarded with a seven-year, $80 million contract in 2023 after his two career years, which both resulted in All-Star appearances. The good news for Cronenworth is that Shildt will give him the opportunity to show what he can do.
"I thought he was going in a really good direction, and I think he’s carried that momentum into the offseason," Shildt added. "My confidence in Jake as an overall player is very high in what he’s gonna bring to our club this year in all aspects of the game."
While the transition from second base to first wasn't exactly the smoothest for Cronenworth and the Padres last season, they believe it'll improve this season. Since San Diego doesn't have the same depth, making it work with Cronenworth would be the ideal situation.
More must-reads: