C. J. Cron

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = C. J. Cron

|image = CJ Cron 7.10.21 (cropped).jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Cron with the Colorado Rockies in 2021

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = First baseman / Designated hitter

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|1|5}}

|birth_place = Fullerton, California, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = May 3

|debutyear = 2014

|debutteam = Los Angeles Angels

|statyear = 2023 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .260

|stat3label = Home runs

|stat3value = 187

|stat4label = Runs batted in

|stat4value = 604

|teams =

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2017}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2018}})
Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2019}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2020}})
Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2023}})

|awards =

All-Star (2022)

}}

Christopher John Cron Jr. ({{IPAc-en|k|r|oʊ|n}} {{respell|KROHN}}; born January 5, 1990) is an American professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. He bats and throws right-handed.

Amateur career

Cron attended Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated in 2008. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 44th round (1320th overall) of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign, opting to attend the University of Utah, where he played college baseball for the Utah Utes baseball team.{{Cite web |last=Pleskoff |first=Bernie |date=2013-07-29 |title=Cron a future power option for Angels |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bernie-pleskoff-cj-cron-is-a-future-power-option-for-the-los-angeles-angels/c-55161986 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB.com}}

File:C.J. Cron safe at second (3317938831) (cropped).jpg in 2009]]

In 2009, Cron was named a second Team College Freshman All-American and Mountain 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 played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=56767&seasonid=239 |title=CJ Cron |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}} In 2011, Cron led the nation in on-base plus slugging (OPS) (1.320) and slugging percentage, for which he was named a Baseball America All-American.{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2011 |title=College: Awards: All-America Teams: 2011 College All-America Team |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/awards/all-america-teams/2011/2611952.html |access-date=June 26, 2014 |publisher=BaseballAmerica.com}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels=

The Angels selected Cron in the first round, with the 17th overall selection, of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.{{Cite web |last=Alfano |first=George |date=May 9, 2014 |title=Former Utes, Bees star C.J. Cron enjoying hot start to major league career |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865602824/Former-Ute-CJ-Cron-enjoys-hot-start-to-major-league-career.html?pg=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515183237/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865602824/Former-Ute-CJ-Cron-enjoys-hot-start-to-major-league-career.html?pg=all |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2014 |publisher=Deseret News}} He made his professional debut that season with the Rookie-level Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League that year.{{Cite web |last=Skoda |first=Jason P. |date=July 8, 2011 |title=MP grad C.J. Cron begins pro career in Pioneer League – Ahwatukee Foothills |url=http://eastvalleytribune.com/local/the_valley/ahwatukee/article_11c4dc48-18f6-5529-a180-5b3a8455b715.html?mode=jqm |access-date=June 26, 2014 |website=EVTNow}}

In 2012, Cron played for the Inland Empire 66ers of the Class A-Advanced California League, where he had a .293 batting average with 27 home runs and 123 runs batted in (RBIs). He played for the Arkansas Travelers of the Class AA Texas League in 2013, and hit .274 with 14 home runs and 83 RBIs. Cron began the 2014 season with the Salt Lake Bees of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League. He hit .319 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 28 games for Salt Lake.{{Cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |date=May 3, 2014 |title=C.J. Cron has memorable three-hit major league debut in Angels' win |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-cj-cron-major-league-debut-20140503-story.html |access-date=December 15, 2014}}File:C. J. Cron on May 15, 2015.jpg|left]]

Cron made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Angels on May 3, 2014.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2014 |title=Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels – Recap – May 03, 2014 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340503103 |access-date=June 26, 2014 |publisher=ESPN}} Cron hit his first career major league home run on May 10, in an eventual win against the Toronto Blue Jays.{{Cite web |last=Carter Williams |title=Utahns in baseball: C.J. Cron hits first career MLB homer; former BYU slugger Matt Carson catches fire in Columbus |date=May 11, 2014 |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865602946/Utahns-in-baseball-CJ-Cron-hits-first-career-MLB-homer-former-BYU-slugger-Matt-Carson-catches.html?pg=all |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140626185127/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865602946/Utahns-in-baseball-CJ-Cron-hits-first-career-MLB-homer-former-BYU-slugger-Matt-Carson-catches.html?pg=all |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2014 |publisher=Deseret News}} The Angels continued to use Raúl Ibañez as their designated hitter, while Ibañez mentored Cron, in spite of Ibañez's struggles.{{Cite news |date=June 1, 2014 |title=Angels' Raul Ibanez helps C.J. Cron adjust to majors |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-20140601-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2014}}{{Cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |date=June 18, 2014 |title=Angels' use of Raul Ibanez over C.J. Cron at DH draws criticism |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-raul-ibanez-cj-cron-20140618-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2014 |work=Los Angeles Times}} Following the release of Ibañez on June 21, Cron became the Angels' primary designated hitter as well as playing first base frequently.{{Cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |date=June 21, 2014 |title=Angels release struggling designated hitter Raul Ibanez |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-raul-ibanez-20140621-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231013164318/https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-raul-ibanez-20140621-story.html |archive-date=2023-10-13 |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=Los Angeles Times}} 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.{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2016 |title=MLB Box Score – Los Angeles vs. Boston |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/boxscore/MLB_20160702_LAA@BOS |access-date=July 2, 2016 |website=CBS Sports}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Chichester |first=Ryan |date=May 22, 2017 |title=Angels option C.J. Cron to Triple-A |url=http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2017/5/22/15677130/angels-option-cj-cron |website=MLB Daily Dish}} He was called back up after a month. He finished the season with a .248 average and 16 home runs.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

File:C.J. Cron (41150919085) (cropped).jpg

On February 17, 2018, the Angels traded Cron to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later (Luis Rengifo).{{Cite web |last=Chastain |first=Bill |date=February 17, 2018 |title=Rays get Cron from Halos; Odorizzi to Twins |url=https://www.mlb.com/rays/news/rays-trade-jake-odorizzi-acquire-cj-cron/c-266672116 |access-date=February 19, 2018 |website=MLB.com}} 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.{{Cite news |date=July 26, 2018 |title=Rays' C.J. Cron: Hits homer benchmark |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rays-c-j-cron-hits-homer-benchmark/ |access-date=August 1, 2018 |work=CBSSports.com |language=en}} Cron finished his season with career highs in home runs, hitting 30 over 140 games. He also slashed .253/.323/.493 with 74 runs batted in and finished sixth among designated hitters in wins above replacement.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2018 » Designated Hitters » Dashboard |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=dh&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}}

On November 20, the Rays designated Cron for assignment.{{Cite web |last=Marc Topkin |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Rays DFA C.J. Cron in adding 5 prospects to roster |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/11/20/rays-dfa-c-j-cron-in-adding-5-prospects-to-roster/ |access-date=April 25, 2019 |publisher=Tampabay.com}}

===Minnesota Twins===

On November 26, 2018, Cron was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2018 |title=Minnesota Twins claim slugger C.J. Cron off waivers from Tampa Rays |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25385230/minnesota-twins-claim-slugger-cj-cron-waivers-tampa-rays |access-date=April 25, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Phil Miller |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Twins part ways with C.J. Cron and Trevor Hildenberger |url=http://www.startribune.com/first-baseman-c-j-cron-is-non-tendered-by-twins/565706922/ |access-date=December 2, 2019 |website=Star Tribune}}

=Detroit Tigers=

On December 21, 2019, Cron signed a one-year, $6.1 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=December 21, 2019 |title=Tigers sign Schoop, Cron to matching deals |url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/jonathan-schoop-tigers-deal |access-date=December 21, 2019 |website=MLB.com}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Petzold |first=Evan |date=August 15, 2020 |title=Detroit Tigers slugger C.J. Cron to have season-ending knee surgery |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2020/08/15/detroit-tigers-cj-cron-fantasy-injury-season-ending-knee-surgery/5590784002/ |access-date=August 15, 2020 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press}} Overall with the 2020 Detroit Tigers, Cron batted .190 with four home runs and 8 RBIs in 13 games.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Cron Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/c-j-cron-543068?stats=career-r-hitting-mlb&year=2020 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB.com}}

=Colorado Rockies=

On February 15, 2021, Cron signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies organization that included an invitation to Spring Training.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=2021-02-15 |title=Rockies Sign C.J. Cron To Minor League Contract |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/rockies-sign-c-j-cron-to-minors-deal.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=2021-03-20 |title=Rockies Select Contracts Of C.J. Cron, Chris Owings |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/rockies-select-contracts-of-c-j-cron-chris-owings.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/croncj01.shtml|title=C.J. Cron Statistics and History|publisher=Baseball-Reference|accessdate=June 9, 2024}} The following season, Cron established career highs in games played (150), runs (79), hits (148) & RBI (102) to go with an All-Star selection.. On the 2023 season, Cron missed part of the first half due to a back injury, only appearing in 56 games.

=Los Angeles Angels (second stint)=

On July 30, 2023, Cron was traded along with Randal Grichuk to the Angels in exchange for minor league pitchers Jake Madden and Mason Albright.{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |date=2023-07-31 |title=Angels land Cron, Grichuk in deal with Rockies |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/randal-grichuk-cj-cron-angels-rockies-trade |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB.com |language=en-US}}

= Boston Red Sox =

On March 1, 2024, Cron signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=2024-03-01 |title=Red Sox Agree To Minor League Deal With C.J. Cron |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/red-sox-agree-to-minor-league-deal-with-c-j-cron.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} On March 22, Cron triggered the opt–out clause in his contract{{Cite web |last=Cotillo |first=Chris |date=2024-03-22 |title=Two Red Sox veterans trigger opt-outs, forcing roster decisions by Sunday |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/03/two-red-sox-veterans-trigger-opt-outs-forcing-roster-decisions-by-sunday.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=masslive.com |language=en}} and he was released two days later.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=2024-03-24 |title=Red Sox To Select Joely Rodriguez; C.J. Cron Granted Release |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/c-j-cron-joely-rodriguez-trigger-opt-outs-with-red-sox.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

Personal life

Cron is the son of former MLB player Chris Cron. Cron's younger brother, Kevin, also plays professional baseball.{{Cite web |title=TCU mainstays leaving Horned Frogs after stellar careers |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/21/5917990/tcu-mainstays-leaving-horned-frogs.html |access-date=December 15, 2014 |website=star-telegram |archive-date=September 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909134747/http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/21/5917990/tcu-mainstays-leaving-horned-frogs.html |url-status=dead }} Their cousin, Chad Moeller, also played in MLB.{{Cite web |last=Skoda |first=Jason P. |date=June 5, 2011 |title=Siblings C.J. and Kevin Cron are both expected to go high in Major League Baseball's amateur draft |url=http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/article_5d5946cc-8e48-11e0-9e5d-001cc4c03286.html |access-date=December 15, 2014 |website=Ahwatukee Foothills News}}