Jake Cronenworth has been the San Diego Padres‘ starting second baseman since 2020 — a left-handed hitter who blends reliable defense with enough pop to hold his own in the middle of the order. He’s not the kind of player who lands on magazine covers, but Padres fans know exactly what he brings every night.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Jake Cronenworth
- Position: Second Base
- Team: San Diego Padres
- Number: 9
- Bats / Throws: Left / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 187 lb
- Born: January 21, 1994 — St. Clair, Michigan 🇺🇸
- MLB Debut: July 26, 2020
Background
Cronenworth grew up in St. Clair, Michigan, and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 37th round of the 2015 draft. He spent five seasons working his way through the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with Tampa Bay on July 26, 2020. Later that same year, San Diego acquired him — and the fit turned out to be a natural one. The Padres quickly realized they had a versatile defender who could handle second base, third base, and the outfield, and they’ve kept him in the lineup ever since.
Professional Career
Cronenworth’s best offensive season came in 2024, when he posted a .241 average, 17 home runs, 83 RBI, and a .714 OPS. That kind of production — steady, not flashy — is exactly what San Diego has come to count on from him.
The 2025 season was a step back: .246 AVG, 11 home runs, and 59 RBI, with an OPS of .744. In 2026, the numbers have been more modest — .229 AVG, 7 HR, 36 RBI — but he remains in the lineup and continues to contribute in multiple ways.
His defensive versatility is a big part of why San Diego has stuck with him. Being able to play several infield positions gives the manager real flexibility, and that kind of value doesn’t always show up in the box score.
Career Stats Snapshot
- 2024 — San Diego Padres: .241 AVG | 17 HR | 83 RBI | 72 R | .714 OPS | 5 SB
- 2025 — San Diego Padres: .246 AVG | 11 HR | 59 RBI | 61 R | .744 OPS | 3 SB
- 2026 — San Diego Padres: .229 AVG | 7 HR | 36 RBI | 45 R | .637 OPS | 9 SB
Awards and Recognition
Cronenworth hasn’t taken home a Silver Slugger or an MVP trophy, but he’s been a consistent presence in San Diego’s lineup through some of the franchise’s most competitive recent seasons. The Padres are still chasing their first World Series title since 1984 — and Cronenworth has been part of the core trying to get them there.
Good to Know
Around the clubhouse, Cronenworth is known for his calm, professional approach. He doesn’t generate headlines, but Padres fans who watch every game appreciate exactly what he does — timely hits, solid defense, and a steady presence that keeps the lineup from having easy outs. In San Diego, that’s earned him a loyal following.
