With the way the San Diego Padres are spending money, us fans could be signing long-term deals with the franchise pretty soon! Jokes aside, the Padres have shown no fear in signing players they believe in for years to come. Peter Seidler and the franchise are doing whatever it takes to bring San Diego its first championship. With Cronenworth's extension, who is possibly next?
Padres' second baseman Jake Cronenworth celebrates after hitting a go-ahead two-run single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS postseason. Credit: Associated Press
Jake Cronenworth was a hidden gem that nobody ever saw coming and was a much needed one. In the 2019 season, the Padres needed to find answers for a second baseman as a 37-year-old Ian Kinsler was of course, not going to be the long-term answer.
Back in December 2019, A.J. Preller and the Padres decided to rework their outfield by trading away the slugging Hunter Renfroe, top prospect Xavier Edwards and prospect Esteban Quiroz for outfielder Tommy Pham and pitcher / infielder Jake Cronenworth.
Yes, you read that correctly!
At the time of the trade, I was upset to see my favorite player in Renfroe depart. However, many of us thought that Pham would be the prized possession. Cronenworth, was a name not many, including myself was familiar with. In addition, the Padres were not sure whether this kid would be on the mound or on the infield dirt.
Alas comes the 2020-shortened season in which the Padres gave the St. Clair native a shot at second base. No more Ian Kinsler and no more Brian Dozier. Former prospect Luis Urias who played second was traded just almost a month prior to Milwaukee.
It did not take long for Cronenworth to flourish with the organization and it did not take long for the Padres to commit long-term in the versatile player. Now, we have to wait and see what comes next, Friar Faithful.
There are talks that the Padres are looking to extend closer Josh Hader, who could make north of $100-million such as Edwin Diaz. However, no numbers are stopping this franchise from doing the inevitable. In fact, they are still just getting started.
Juan Soto could be the first player to make a contract worth $500-600 million if the Padres decide to keep the Childish Bambino long-term. The team has also looked into two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani who is arguably worth the same price and more. The Padres have spent big dollars and have also spent it wisely, with backloaded contracts as well as reconstruction on deals to sit comfortably on the AAV mark with each player.
During Cronenworth's press conference that made the deal official starting in 2024 (This will not play a role in the 2023 payroll), A.J. Preller stated that he wants this team to be sticking together for a long time in order for fans to know who is on the field and stay with the organization as some of the best to ever put on a Padres uniform.
It is incredible. For hopes in having our former top prospects become stars to having this team spend more than the New York Yankees, it is a surreal change for the city.
We get to see Cronenworth's versatility and charisma through the 2030 baseball season. Expect so much more to come, Friar Faithful!
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