Padres News: Jake Cronenworth Keeping His Head Up Through Frustrating Season

Will he get back to his All Star form in the second half of the season?

Several Padres stars have struggled this season, leading to a disappointing year for San Diego thus far.

This season has been one to forget for Jake Cronenworth. The two-time All Star is only batting .206 this season, and he just hasn't quite looked like the elite star that he was in 2021 and 2022. 

But despite the numbers, Cronenworth is going through the rough season with a very optimistic attitude.

“Obviously, from the numbers standpoint, it’s been hard,” he said. “But at the same time, I work my butt off. I’ve put in almost more work than I ever have before to put our team in a good position to win. And I go out there every night and leave it all out there."

"Yeah, it sucks that I’m not the player I have been the last three years, but at the same time, my process, the time I put in the cage, the time I put in on ground balls, mentally — everything else is the same.”

via

The Athletic

Every player has ups and downs, and some are more severe than others. 

Cronenworth signed a 7 year / $80 million extension in March, so it's clear that the Padres want him to be an integral part of their infield for the foreseeable future.

"Among an underperforming collection of hitters, only

Austin Nola

, Nelson Cruz and

Matt Carpenter

have provided less statistical value. Cruz has been released, Nola was optioned to Triple A last week and Carpenter’s days in San Diego appear numbered. Cronenworth, with his contract and track record, seems to be in no such danger."

via

The Athletic

The 29-year-old was forced to move from his natural shortstop position by the acquisition of Xander Bogaerts in free agency last winter, so the change of position might also add a little bit of uncertainty. 

Despite the move, Cronenworth still has a flawless fielding percentage at 1.000 and hasn't committed an error all season, something the man that replaced him respects.

“I’ve had a lot of really good first basemen all my career,” Bogaerts said, “but in the sense of helping me out with my throws (and) picks, he’s definitely the one that’s helped me out the most. And it’s only been a year. Not even a full year yet.”

via

The Athletic

Only time will tell if this slump is just temporary, or if he's regressed enough for the Padres to think about moving his salary.

Do you think the Padres should keep him?