ST. LOUIS -- The circumstances were, uh, just a little bit different five years ago when then-Padres manager Jayce Tingler called on little-known utility player Jake Cronenworth as a pinch-runner in a game against the Diamondbacks.
For one, this was Opening Weekend in mid-July. Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Petco Park stands were empty, save for a handful of cardboard cutouts. Quite a setting for a big league debut.
Five years later, Cronenworth has come a long way. At the time, he was viewed as a throw-in in the deal that sent outfielder Tommy Pham to San Diego. That spring, he even threw bullpen sessions. He had pitched a bit for Tampa Bay in the Minor Leagues, and the Padres briefly explored the possibility of using him as a two-way player.
“It was such an odd time,” Cronenworth said. “I was just fortunate enough to be on the team, help contribute in any way. I remember just being a pinch-runner, playing first [base] those first seven or eight games, being the second baseman after that -- and up until now, it's been crazy.”
Cronenworth still fills some version of a utility role, capable of playing both first and second base (and even shortstop in a pinch). But he’s clearly found a home at second. On Thursday, he moved past Roberto Alomar into the top spot in franchise history with his 431st career start at second base.
“Crazy, grateful -- I could throw out tons of adjectives to be put in the same category as Roberto. He's a Hall of Famer. I don't think I'm going to reach the Hall of Fame,” Cronenworth said with a laugh. “But it's special. To do it with one team obviously, and hopefully be here the rest of my career with this team, it's special.”
Cronenworth, 31, is under contract through the 2030 season at just over $12 million per year. He’s a valuable piece in the Padres’ lineup, given his disciplined approach at the plate and his versatile glove -- not to mention his experience and his clutch performances. (On July 4, Cronenworth had his fifth walk-off RBI, one shy of Will Venable for the most in Petco Park history.)
But there are suddenly questions about Cronenworth’s long-term future in San Diego. The Padres are exploring the possibility of both buying and selling at this year’s Trade Deadline. If they prefer to avoid taking on salary, that would mean they need to move salary in order to add elsewhere.
Dylan Cease has been the name rumored most often. He’s in the final year of his deal, making nearly $14 million. Luis Arraez, Robert Suarez and Michael King are also set to become free agents after the season. Compared to that group, Cronenworth seems a less likely trade chip, given the length of his contract. Plus, he’s clearly an integral part of the current team.
“He’s just a really good winning baseball player,” said manager Mike Shildt. “He just helps you win in every phase of the game. He’s a really good defender, obviously. I love the fact he’s versatile. Very sure-handed, great arm, helps with double plays, really good baseball IQ. He’s a field general for us in the infield. … He takes really good at-bats, got the knack for getting a big hit. And also, he’s a really good baserunner.”
Xander Bogaerts, Cronenworth’s double-play partner, offered just about the highest praise possible from someone who grew up as an infielder in the Red Sox's system.
“He plays hard, man,” Bogaerts said. “He plays gritty. I wouldn’t say completely like a [Dustin] Pedroia type, but he plays that sturdy, scrappy [style]. He’s a good ballplayer.”
Cronenworth has established himself as one of the most durable, reliable pieces in the Padres’ lineup. He racked up his first hit during that debut five years ago -- and has racked up 643 more since, including one Friday night in the Padres’ 3-0 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Cronenworth has a .740 career OPS, while playing excellent defense.
During that debut season, he was endearingly dubbed “that Cronenworth guy” by an exasperated AJ Pollock who had been robbed of hits by Cronenworth one too many times. He’s no longer “that Cronenworth guy.” He’s since authored one of the biggest hits in franchise history (in the 2022 NLDS against the Dodgers) and now he’s a franchise record holder.
“At that point it was just, ‘What can I do to stay here? What can I do to be a key contributor to the team?’” Cronenworth said. “I just treated every day like its own. ... And now we're here. Which is crazy.”