Padres News: Columnist Looks at Special Candidate to Help Improve Friars' 2023 Season

Can Cronenworth reach his 2021 status to help turn this season around?

The San Diego Padres seem like they are stuck in the Twilight Zone. Things are going up and down, side to side; there's no level of consistency with this team, and it shouldn't be this way for the type of talent at their disposal. 

It's been a very odd and strange season thus far, and that goes from the front office to the players on the field. Just when you think they have it figured out, the Friars go in the complete opposite direction. It's no fun to witness, and they need to figure it out quickly before things truly go off the rail. Some of their players are doing their thing, while it's been tough for others to find their footing, like Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth. 

2023 has been tough sledding for the 29-year-old as he is slashing .210/.312/.351 with a .663 OPS in 77 games. His bad play is a microcosm of the season thus far, and it's played a part in the team's struggles. Padres insider from the San Diego Tribune Tom Krasovic believes if Cronenworth can go back to his 2021 All-Star form, San Diego will be in a better spot. 

If Cronenworth can rediscover his 2021 self that batted .266 with 21 home runs and an .800 OPS, the Padres will have seen three regulars solve difficult problems during this journey.

(via San Diego Tribune)

The lefty batter earned himself two All-Star bids in the past two seasons due to his slugging and great defense in the infield. However, this season has been the opposite of that, minus the defense. His .663 OPS is on pace to be the lowest of his four-year career (minus his rookie season in the 2020 shortened season), along with his ability to drive in runs. He only has 26 RBIs in over 300 ABs, which is not ideal considering the type of talent he is. 

2023 is ugly thus far, and sadly Cronenworth is adding to that. It's getting worse game by game; hopefully, he can turn things around as the All-Star game approaches and beyond.