Jake Cronenworth – San Diego Padres Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jake Cronenworth has carved out a reputation as a reliable infielder for the San Diego Padres since joining the club. He brings versatility to the field, and his steady play earned him a big contract extension in 2023.

Cronenworth inked a seven-year extension worth $80 million with the Padres, including a $2 million signing bonus.

He gets $4.225 million for the 2023 season. In 2024, that jumps to $7 million, and then $11 million in 2025.

For the last five years of the deal (2026-2030), Cronenworth will collect $12 million each year, covering ages 32 through 36. That long-term commitment really shows just how much the team trusts his skills.

As of 2023, Cronenworth’s net worth sat just under $2 million, but that number’s bound to climb with this contract. The extension gives him real financial security, while the Padres get some stability in their infield.

His journey to this payday wasn’t exactly a straight line, which makes his story all the more interesting.

Early Life and Background

Jake Cronenworth’s path to Major League Baseball started in St. Clair, Michigan. Those early years in a small Midwestern town shaped his approach to baseball and life.

His upbringing there gave him the foundation for his career with the San Diego Padres.

Family and Childhood

Jacob John Cronenworth was born on January 21, 1994, in St. Clair, Michigan. He grew up right along the St. Clair River and fell in love with baseball as a kid.

The Cronenworth family really encouraged his athletic pursuits. Like a lot of future pros, Jake’s childhood was packed with backyard games and youth leagues.

He stood out in several sports early on, showing a knack for competition. Jake’s family supported his baseball dreams, spending weekends driving to tournaments and games all over Michigan and nearby states.

Education and Amateur Baseball

Cronenworth went to St. Clair High School and quickly became a standout two-way player, handling both pitching and infield duties. His high school play caught the eye of college scouts, which led him to the University of Michigan.

At Michigan, Jake kept sharpening his skills while working on his degree. He played three seasons for the Wolverines (2013-2015), pitching and playing around the infield.

He improved steadily and took on a leadership role, which paid off when the Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft.

Hometown and Country

St. Clair, Michigan, with a population of about 5,500, helped shape Jake’s work ethic and character. The small-town values of community and perseverance show up in his playing style.

The town sits in St. Clair County (ZIP code 48079), about an hour northeast of Detroit. It’s known for its strong support of local athletes and has embraced Cronenworth as one of its own.

As an American player, Jake represents his country in MLB alongside other homegrown talents. His Midwestern roots have given him a grounded outlook, something teammates and coaches often mention when talking about his presence in the clubhouse.

Professional Baseball Career

Jake Cronenworth made his mark as a versatile infielder for the San Diego Padres. He’s worked his way up, showing steady growth and making valuable contributions along the way.

MLB Debut and Rise

Cronenworth debuted in the big leagues with the San Diego Padres on July 24, 2020, during the pandemic-shortened season. He made an immediate impact, finishing tied for second in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Michigan. He spent a few seasons in their minor league system, learning the ropes.

In December 2019, the Padres acquired him in a trade that sent Tommy Pham to San Diego. That move turned out to be a turning point for Cronenworth, giving him his shot at the highest level.

During his rookie season, he hit .285 with 4 home runs in 54 games and flashed impressive defensive skills across the infield.

Breakout Seasons and Performance

After his strong rookie year, Cronenworth locked down a spot in the Padres lineup with more solid play. He’s handled second base, first base, and shortstop—making himself incredibly valuable.

In 2021, he made his first All-Star team, batting .266 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs. His steady bat and sharp defense have made him a cornerstone player in San Diego.

The 2022 season brought more of the same: consistent production on both sides of the ball. His left-handed swing brings balance to a lineup full of right-handed stars like Juan Soto and Xander Bogaerts.

Cronenworth focuses on contact hitting but has added some power, and his defensive flexibility lets the Padres mix and match their infield as needed.

San Diego Padres Tenure

The Padres showed real trust in Cronenworth by giving him a seven-year, $80 million contract, plus a $2 million signing bonus. That deal just underlines his importance to the team.

For 2025, he’s earning $11 million, marking the third year of his big contract. The Padres front office has called him “worth every bit of it” thanks to his steady play and leadership.

He’s played alongside stars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and more recently Juan Soto and Xander Bogaerts. This core group has helped turn the Padres into true contenders.

Cronenworth’s defensive flexibility has been a lifesaver, letting the team shuffle the lineup for matchups or cover for injuries.

All-Star Recognitions

Cronenworth has snagged multiple All-Star selections in his career. His first came in 2021 after his breakout season.

That All-Star nod isn’t just about stats—it’s a recognition of his all-around game. Coaches and players around MLB respect his baseball IQ and his ability to stay calm under pressure.

He’s played a big role in the Padres’ postseason runs. When the stakes are high in October, his reliable glove and timely hitting have come through.

Teammates and opponents both praise his ability to adapt to new roles and keep performing. The Padres manager and players often point to his professionalism and team-first attitude as key parts of the clubhouse culture.

Jake Cronenworth Contract Details

Jake Cronenworth’s contract with the Padres is a major financial commitment for the team. His deal runs for several years with changing salary figures that affect the team’s payroll and long-term planning.

Current Contract Overview

Cronenworth is locked in under a 7-year, $80 million contract with the Padres. It includes a $2 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed through 2030.

He signed the extension in 2023 after proving himself as a key infielder and contributor.

Before this, Cronenworth had a one-year, $4.225 million contract for 2023 to avoid arbitration. The new deal gives him long-term security and helps the Padres plan for the future.

The contract bumps up his salary every year, showing the Padres expect him to keep performing.

Salary and Payroll Impact

Cronenworth’s salary changes over the course of the deal. In 2024, he gets $7 million, then $11 million in 2025. From 2026 to 2030, he’ll earn $12 million per season.

This setup affects the Padres’ payroll flexibility. The team has put a lot of money into its core players, and Cronenworth’s deal is a solid middle-tier commitment.

The Padres structured his contract with lower salaries up front and bigger payouts later, giving them more wiggle room early on. His average annual value (AAV) is about $11.28 million, which is reasonable for a player with his skill set.

Competitive Balance Tax and Luxury Tax Considerations

Cronenworth’s contract plays a big part in the Padres’ competitive balance tax (CBT) calculations. With an AAV around $11.28 million, his deal is a noticeable chunk of the team’s tax threshold.

The Padres have been spending big lately, often getting close to or over the luxury tax line. Cronenworth’s deal is sizable, but if he keeps producing, it’s a fair value.

For luxury tax purposes, the AAV is what really counts, not the actual yearly salary. So Cronenworth’s contract hits the tax threshold at about the same amount each year, no matter what he’s actually making that season.

The Padres have to keep an eye on their CBT numbers. Going over the threshold year after year can lead to bigger penalties and even draft pick issues.

Free Agency Timeline

With his current contract, Cronenworth won’t hit free agency until after the 2030 season, when he’ll be 36. The deal wiped out several arbitration years and pushed his free agency way down the road.

By locking him up through his prime and into his mid-30s, the Padres bought out what would’ve been his best years. The contract covers what could’ve been multiple shots at free agency.

If Cronenworth keeps playing well, the Padres might get a bargain. But, let’s be honest, long-term deals always carry some risk, especially as players get older.

The timing of the extension also made sense for the Padres, who wanted to keep their core together while chasing a championship.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Jake Cronenworth’s financial picture has changed a lot since he joined MLB. His contracts, salary structure, and off-field ventures all play a role in where he stands now.

Estimated Net Worth

Jake Cronenworth has an estimated net worth of about $2 million as of 2025. That figure comes from his big-league paychecks and other income.

His net worth has grown steadily since his Padres debut in 2020. The real boost came when he signed that seven-year, $80 million extension.

Compared to other players with similar experience, Cronenworth’s net worth shows his growing value and the Padres’ belief in him.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Cronenworth hasn’t chased a ton of endorsement deals so far. He’s not among the top earners in MLB when it comes to sponsorships, but he does have deals with some baseball equipment companies.

His main endorsement is with his glove supplier, who features him in regional ads. He’s also popped up in a few local San Diego commercials and community events.

Unlike some of his flashier teammates, Cronenworth keeps things pretty low-key off the field. That fits with his reputation as a hard worker.

As his profile rises—especially after signing his new contract—he might see more opportunities for bigger endorsement deals.

Career Earnings

Jake Cronenworth has watched his career earnings climb steadily since he broke into MLB. His salary progression really highlights how much teams value him now.

• 2020-2022: League minimum and pre-arbitration salaries
• 2023: $4,225,000 salary
• 2024: $7,000,000 salary
• 2025: $11,000,000 salary
• 2026-2030: $12,000,000 annually

He signed a seven-year, $80 million contract and pocketed a $2 million signing bonus. That deal really changed the game for his financial future.

By the time his contract wraps up in 2030, Cronenworth should have made around $86 million just from MLB salary. That figure doesn’t even count any bonuses he might snag along the way.

Business Ventures

Away from the field, Cronenworth has played it safe but smart with his business moves. He’s put money into real estate, picking up properties in Michigan and San Diego.

He’s also joined a few player-led investment groups. These groups let players team up, share resources, and dive into business ideas together.

Cronenworth has talked about wanting to explore business more after his playing days, but for now, he’s still locked in on baseball. He’s brought up the value of financial literacy for athletes more than once.

He doesn’t really promote his investments or business ventures publicly. Instead, he keeps a low profile and focuses on building up his finances quietly, keeping an eye on life after baseball.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Outside baseball, Jake Cronenworth tries to keep things balanced. He splits his time between giving back to the community and enjoying hobbies that help him unwind during the grind of the MLB season.

Charity Work and Community Involvement

Cronenworth has become a community leader in San Diego since joining the Padres. You’ll often find him at team outreach events, especially when the team visits local schools in underserved areas around San Diego County.

In 2023, he kicked off his own youth baseball initiative. He’s helped get equipment and coaching to kids who might not otherwise get a shot at the sport. That program has already made a difference for hundreds of families.

“Giving back is something my parents instilled in me from a young age,” Cronenworth said at a community event. “Baseball gave me so much, and I want to make sure other kids get those same opportunities.”

He’s also shown up at the Padres’ military appreciation events. San Diego has a huge military community, and Cronenworth always makes time to show his support.

Hobbies and Interests

When he’s not on the diamond, Cronenworth loves spending time outdoors. He heads back to Michigan pretty often in the off-season and usually finds himself fishing somewhere around the Great Lakes.

Golf? Yeah, that’s become a big deal for him too. He hits the links with teammates during spring training in Arizona, and they’ll squeeze in a round or two on road trips if they can.

Cronenworth has also gotten into real estate. After signing his seven-year, $80 million contract with the Padres, he started investing in properties all over the country.

He keeps his personal life pretty quiet, but in a few interviews, he’s talked about how much he likes checking out San Diego’s food scene when he has some free time.

During the off-season, he tries to travel a bit farther. He’s been to Japan and a handful of countries in Europe, just soaking it all in.