For years, Jake Cronenworth has been one of the Padresâ most reliable players.
Now the $80-million infielder believes something even bigger is coming in 2026.
SAN DIEGO â Inside the San Diego Padres clubhouse, a new wave of optimism is building around a familiar name.
Veteran infielder Jake Cronenworth believes the upcoming 2026 season could become the best year of his careerâand his performance this spring is already fueling excitement throughout the team.
After spending the offseason reshaping his training routine, the two-time All-Star says he feels faster, stronger, and more energized than he has in years.
And at age 32, Cronenworth insists his game is still evolving.
âBeing 32 now, a lot more running, a lot more getting faster, a lot of speed work,â Cronenworth explained.
âI feel great. I feel faster⌠I feel really, really good right now.â
Those words have quickly spread around Padres camp, adding intrigue to what could be a pivotal season for both Cronenworth and the team.
Reinventing His Game
In baseball, longevity often depends on a playerâs willingness to adapt.
Pitchers study hitters relentlessly. Data reveals every weakness. And as players move deeper into their careers, maintaining peak performance requires constant adjustments.
Cronenworth understands that challenge well.
Instead of sticking to the same offseason routine, he committed to a more aggressive training program focused on speed, agility, and overall athleticism.
âYouâve got to always be evolving,â he said.
âPitching is always getting better, and Iâm getting older. So itâs about finding ways to stay young, get faster, and move better.â
The results have already been noticeable during spring training workouts and games.
Back Where He Belongs
Another key factor behind Cronenworthâs renewed energy is a return to a more familiar role.
Over the past few seasons, the Padres have asked him to play multiple infield positions, including first base, second base, and shortstop.
While his versatility made him invaluable to the roster, constantly shifting positions sometimes disrupted his rhythm.
In 2026, Cronenworth is expected to primarily return to second base, the position where he originally thrived.
That stability could help him regain the consistency that made him one of the National Leagueâs top infielders earlier in his career.
Remembering His All-Star Form
Cronenworthâs early seasons in San Diego established him as one of the leagueâs most complete players.
In 2021 and 2022, he earned back-to-back All-Star selections, becoming a cornerstone of the Padresâ lineup.
His 2021 season in particular showcased his all-around ability:
- .266 batting average
- 21 home runs
- 71 RBIs
- .800 OPS
Those numbers solidified his reputation as a player capable of delivering both power and consistency.
While his production dipped slightly in recent seasons, Cronenworth remains confident that his peak performance is still within reach.
A Surprise Experiment: Leading Off
One of the most intriguing developments this spring has been Cronenworthâs appearance in an unexpected role.
Padres manager Craig Stammen has been experimenting with Cronenworth as the leadoff hitter during Cactus League games.
Initially, many assumed the move was temporary.
But Stammen hinted that it could become a legitimate strategy.
âI think it is a thing,â Stammen said.
âLeadoff is the one spot weâre not quite sure about yet. You might see a few different options there.â
Cronenworthâs improved speed and disciplined plate approach could make him an interesting fit at the top of the lineup.
Spring Numbers Turning Heads
Early spring training results suggest Cronenworthâs offseason adjustments are paying off.
So far, he is hitting:
.364 (8-for-22) with two walks
While spring statistics donât always predict regular-season performance, they can reveal when a player is finding his timing.
And right now, Cronenworth looks comfortable at the plate.
A Critical Season for San Diego
The Padres know their championship ambitions depend on contributions from both superstars and experienced veterans.
With stars already filling the lineup, a rejuvenated Cronenworth could provide the balance that turns San Diego from a contender into a legitimate World Series threat.
If the veteran infielder truly delivers the breakout season he believes is coming, the impact could ripple throughout the entire roster.
Because sometimes the difference between a good team and a championship team comes down to one player rediscovering his best form.
Jake Cronenworth believes that moment is arriving.
And Padres fans are starting to believe it too.
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