1 year agoSan Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth was a relevant fantasy asset in 2022. However, almost all of his value came from his run his production. Cronenworth scored and drove in 88 runs but hit just .239 with 17 home runs and three stolen bases. His 27-point drop in batting average was partially due to a strikeout rate that reached 19.2% after posting a 14.4% rate in his first two seasons. Cronenworth's hitting ability has seemingly regressed each season since his rookie campaign. The 28-year-old owned an 89.8 MPH average exit velocity and 10.5% barrel rate in 2020, which dropped to 88.6 MPH and 7.2%, respectively, in 2021. Both numbers were even worse this season; 87.6 MPH average exit velocity and 5.6% barrel percentage. Cronenworth has to rely on tons of line drives to make a living in batting average. But after posting a 27.3% and 26.1% line drive rate in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the two-time All-Star only managed a 21.1% mark this year. Cronenworth's deteriorating metrics are worrisome, and he has no speed to resort to if he doesn't bounce back, as he's swiped just 10 bags in 364 career games. Fantasy managers might want to bank on solid counting stats again. His ability to walk (9.4% career walk rate) means he'll have enough chances to score, but his 143 RBI plus runs that Steamer projects can't make up for his faults. Cronenworth's ADP of 191 is too high for what he brings to the table.--Spencer Seguin