| C. J. Cron | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Cron with theColorado Rockies in 2021 | |
| Free agent | |
| First baseman /Designated hitter | |
| Born: (1990-01-05)January 5, 1990 (age 35) Fullerton, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 3, 2014, for the Los Angeles Angels | |
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Batting average | .260 |
| Home runs | 187 |
| Runs batted in | 604 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Christopher John Cron Jr. (/kroʊn/KROHN; born January 5, 1990) is an American professionalbaseballfirst baseman anddesignated hitter who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theLos Angeles Angels,Tampa Bay Rays,Minnesota Twins,Detroit Tigers andColorado Rockies. He bats and throwsright-handed.
Cron attendedMountain Pointe High School inPhoenix, Arizona, and graduated in 2008.[1] He was drafted by theChicago White Sox in the 44th round (1320th overall) of the2008 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign, opting to attend theUniversity of Utah, where he playedcollege baseball for theUtah Utes baseball team.[2]
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In 2009, Cron was named a second Team College FreshmanAll-American andMountain West Conference (MWC) Freshman of the Year. In 2010, he was named a third Team College All-American, MWC All-Star and MWC Player of the Year. After the 2010 season, he playedcollegiate summer baseball with theCotuit Kettleers of theCape Cod Baseball League.[3] In 2011, Cron led the nation inon-base plus slugging (OPS) (1.320) andslugging percentage, for which he was named aBaseball America All-American.[4]
The Angels selected Cron in the first round, with the 17th overall selection, of the2011 Major League Baseball draft.[5] He made his professional debut that season with the Rookie-levelOrem Owlz of thePioneer League that year.[1]
In 2012, Cron played for theInland Empire 66ers of theClass A-AdvancedCalifornia League, where he had a .293batting average with 27home runs and 123runs batted in (RBIs). He played for theArkansas Travelers of theClass AATexas League in 2013, and hit .274 with 14 home runs and 83 RBIs. Cron began the 2014 season with theSalt Lake Bees of theClass AAAPacific Coast League. He hit .319 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 28 games for Salt Lake.[6]
Cron made hisMajor League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Angels on May 3, 2014.[7] Cron hit his first career major league home run on May 10, in an eventual win against theToronto Blue Jays.[8] The Angels continued to useRaúl Ibañez as theirdesignated hitter, while Ibañez mentored Cron, in spite of Ibañez's struggles.[9][10] Following the release of Ibañez on June 21, Cron became the Angels' primarydesignated hitter as well as playingfirst base frequently.[11] He finished the season with a .256 batting average and 11 home runs. Cron was the starting DH for the Angels opening day roster in 2015, but was optioned to Triple-A twice during the season. After struggling at the plate and with some nagging injuries, Cron only played in 113 games in 2015 and hit 16 home runs for the Angels.
Cron once again made the team out of spring training in 2016, serving as their DH and occasional first baseman. On July 2, he had six hits, including two home runs and a double, in a 21–2 defeat of the Boston Red Sox.[12] Cron tied his career high in 2016 with 16 home runs in 116 games, while also hitting .278 with 69 RBI.
The Angels optioned Cron to Salt Lake on May 22, 2017, after enduring a slow start to the season.[13] He was called back up after a month. He finished the season with a .248 average and 16 home runs.
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On February 17, 2018, the Angels traded Cron to theTampa Bay Rays in exchange for aplayer to be named later (Luis Rengifo).[14] On July 9, Cron hit his 17th home run of the season, setting a new career high before the All-Star break. On July 26, Cron hit his 20th home run of the season against the New York Yankees.[15] Cron finished his season with career highs inhome runs, hitting 30 over 140 games. He also slashed .253/.323/.493 with 74runs batted in and finished sixth amongdesignated hitters inwins above replacement.[16]
On November 20, the Rays designated Cron for assignment.[17]
On November 26, 2018, Cron was claimed off waivers by theMinnesota Twins.[18] In 125 games, Cron hit .253 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI. On December 2, 2019, Cron was non-tendered by Minnesota and became a free agent.[19]
On December 21, 2019, Cron signed a one-year, $6.1 million contract with theDetroit Tigers.[20] On July 24, 2020, Cron made his Tigers debut as Opening Day starting first baseman. On August 15, 2020, it was announced Cron needed season-ending knee surgery.[21] Overall with the2020 Detroit Tigers, Cron batted .190 with four home runs and 8 RBIs in 13 games.[22]
On February 15, 2021, Cron signed a minor league contract with theColorado Rockies organization that included an invitation to Spring Training.[23] On March 20, Cron's contract was selected to the 40-man roster. On October 5, 2021, he signed a 2-year, $14.5 million extension with the Rockies.[24] In his first season with the Rockies, Cron batted .281/.375/.530 with 28 home runs and a career-high 92 RBIs and 70 runs scored.[25] The following season, Cron established career highs in games played (150), runs (79), hits (148) & RBI (102) to go with an All-Star selection..[25] On the 2023 season, Cron missed part of the first half due to a back injury, only appearing in 56 games.
On July 30, 2023, Cron was traded along withRandal Grichuk to the Angels in exchange for minor league pitchersJake Madden and Mason Albright.[26]
On March 1, 2024, Cron signed a minor league contract with theBoston Red Sox.[27] On March 22, Cron triggered the opt–out clause in his contract[28] and he was released two days later.[29]
Cron is the son of former MLB playerChris Cron.[4] Cron's younger brother,Kevin, also plays professional baseball.[30] Their cousin,Chad Moeller, also played in MLB.[31]
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | National League Player of the Month August 2021 | Succeeded by |
