San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt has announced that infielder Jake Cronenworth, who signed a seven-year, $80 million contract in 2024, will exclusively play second base in the upcoming 2025 season and will not be utilized at first base. This decision aligns with the Padres’ infield configuration, featuring Luis Arraez as the full-time first baseman, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, and Manny Machado at third base.
Cronenworth expressed relief and satisfaction with this clarity, stating that knowing his position in advance allows for better preparation and benefits the entire team. He noted, “Not just for me, but for everybody, it gives us clarity for where we’re going to be and how we can prepare.”
Statistically, Cronenworth has performed better at second base, boasting a .755 OPS when playing the position, suggesting that this dedicated role could lead to a strong performance in the 2025 season.
The Padres’ infield strategy was influenced by the departure of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim during the offseason, prompting Bogaerts’ return to shortstop and solidifying Cronenworth’s role at second base. This decision underscores the Padres’ commitment to optimizing their infield defense and maximizing player performance by assigning positions that align with each player’s strengths.
Leave a Reply