Padres' Mike Shildt Facing Jake Cronenworth Decision Before MLB Playoffs

Mike Shildt Makes Jake Cronenworth Move

On Sunday, manager Mike Shildt made the move to start Jake Cronenworth (his first start at the position since 2022) at shortstop instead of Iglesias.

Eventually, Iglesias subbed into the game and Cronenworth moved back to his usual position at second base, but by the time Iglesias was in the game the offense had already erupted for eight runs leading to an 8-1 victory.

With October baseball approaching, Shildt is facing a decision on whether it may be smart to place Cronenworth at shortstop down the stretch and sacrifice slightly defensively in order to not have a glaring hole in the lineup.

Cronenworth has been an exceptional left-handed bat for San Diego since he made his debut back in 2020 and he has earned two All-Star appearances in his six-year career.

Over 117 games in 2025, the 31-year-old infielder has posted a .248 batting average, .371 on-base percentage, .761 OPS, ten home runs and 51 RBIs.

Although his offensive numbers make it seem like an easy decision for Shildt, Cronenworth does not grade out as a strong defender at second base (-4 Outs Above Average via Statcast), and a move to shortstop may present a steep learning curve. With the playoffs approaching and Bogaert’s availability still a question mark, Shildt will have to settle on his preferred lineup arrangement heading into October.