The value of Jake Cronenworth

With all the superstar level talent on the Padres roster, it's easy to lose sight of the incredible value Jake Cronenworth offers the team.

Yesterday was an off day for the San Diego Padres, following two absolutely massive offensive performances in a series win over the San Francisco Giants. Today, Juan Soto and Josh Bell get a chance to put on their Padres uniforms and play in front of (what will undoubtedly be) an appreciative Washington Nationals fanbase. It’s going to be fun.

However, that’s not what I’m here to talk with you about today. I am here to talk with you about Jake Cronenworth.

The other day, while at the Padres/Giants game (the one where Manny hit a walk-off HR in the bottom of the 9th), I saw a fun piece of history on the video board. One of the Giants hitters, and I can’t remember who, had been struck out to end a college baseball series by the then-closer of the Michigan Wolverines: Jake Cronenworth.

Sometimes, and I think it’s because of who some of his teammates are, it’s easy to forget about what a ridiculous athlete Cronenworth actually is. He was probably good enough to be a relief pitcher at the MLB level but instead he is a two-time all star second baseman. Sure, okay.

But, thanks to a friend that sent me a really cool stat (that I’ll reveal in a moment), Jake Cronenworth has sufficiently blown my baseball mind this season. Strap in for this rollercoaster ride…