December 26, 2020

Jake Cronenworth enjoyed a fantastic rookie campaign with San Diego in 2020, hitting .285/.354/.477 with four homers and three steals over 192 PAs. His plate discipline was excellent, with a 9.4 BB% against a 15.6 K% backed by both his MiLB resume and outstanding peripherals (22.4% chase rate, 5.8 SwStr%). His .324 BABIP also looks sustainable thanks to an above-average 25.2 LD% and below-average 29.4 FB%. In fact, Cronenworth's .324 xBA suggests that he offers significant batting average upside! Sadly, that strong average comes at the expense of power potential. Cronenworth doesn't hit that many flies, and his 91.5 mph average airborne exit velocity was below-average. He should still get a handful of homers thanks to his solid 10.5% rate of Brls/BBE, and Baseball Savant thought he deserved a higher slugging percentage as well at .541. The Padres hit Cronenworth everywhere in 2020, and his fantasy stock would improve if he looks like he'll lock down a significant lineup spot in Spring Training. Overall, the 26-year-old has a similar profile to Placido Polanco: a consistent producer who savvy fantasy managers would take in the later rounds to offset batting average risk elsewhere in their lineups. Cronenworth is eligible at three different positions (1B, 2B, SS) and affordably-priced at an ADP of 150.68, making him a great addition regardless.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller