Jake Cronenworth, Jeremiah Estrada, and Yuki Matsui: The Padres' Unsung Heroes Ready to Shine in 2026
When you think of the San Diego Padres, the spotlight naturally falls on the big names - Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Mason Miller, and rising star Jackson Merrill. And rightfully so.
These guys are the headliners, the ones who sell jerseys and make highlight reels. But beneath that star-studded surface lies a group of players who quietly go about their business - and do it really well.
Jake Cronenworth, Jeremiah Estrada, and Yuki Matsui may not command the same attention, but their contributions are no less important. As the Padres gear up for what they hope will be a deep run in 2026, these three could be the difference between good and great.
Jake Cronenworth: The Reliable Glue Guy
Jake Cronenworth isn’t just a fan favorite - he’s the kind of player every contending team needs. While he may not be the flashiest name in the lineup, his consistency and versatility make him invaluable.
In 2025, Cronenworth posted his fourth season with an OPS+ of 100 or better, a benchmark that speaks to his ability to hold his own offensively. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see just how impactful he really was.
On the road, he hit .270 - a notable uptick from his overall numbers - and 13 of his 21 multi-hit games came away from Petco Park. That’s the kind of production that travels, literally.
Even more impressive? Cronenworth hit .287 with runners in scoring position and carried an OPS north of .800 in those situations.
For a player who’s often the fourth or fifth option in the batting order, that’s a clutch gene you can’t teach. Add in his defensive flexibility - the ability to play multiple infield spots at a high level - and you’ve got a guy who quietly holds the roster together.
Jeremiah Estrada: The Bullpen's Hidden Weapon
The Padres’ bullpen is stacked, no doubt about it. Mason Miller brings the heat, Adrian Morejon has electric stuff, and Jason Adam is as steady as they come.
But Jeremiah Estrada? He might be the most overlooked weapon in the entire group.
Estrada’s 2025 season was a masterclass in dominance. He ranked between the 90th and 99th percentile in six major pitching metrics - a clear sign that his stuff isn’t just good, it’s elite.
His K/9? Over 13 for the second straight year.
His WHIP? Under 1.17.
Those are closer-level numbers, and Estrada isn’t even the top option out of the pen - yet.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the workload. Estrada appeared in nearly half of the Padres’ games last season, making him not just dominant, but durable.
In a bullpen loaded with firepower, he’s the guy who can bridge the gap on any given night - and do it with authority. If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if he earns his first All-Star nod in 2026.
Yuki Matsui: The Lefty Change-of-Pace Specialist
Yuki Matsui might not light up the radar gun like some of his bullpen counterparts, but don’t let that fool you - he brings a different kind of danger to the mound.
After a rocky stretch in the middle of 2025, Matsui found his groove late in the year. He entered September with a 4.45 ERA but allowed just one run over his final 8.2 innings. That kind of finish matters - especially for a reliever trying to re-establish confidence heading into the next season.
Matsui’s value lies in his contrast. With so many right-handers in the Padres’ bullpen throwing high-90s heat, Matsui’s left-handed delivery and devastating splitter give opposing lineups a completely different look.
He pairs especially well with Jason Adam, forming a one-two punch of finesse and command that keeps hitters off balance. It’s not just about velocity - it’s about variety, and Matsui gives the Padres that in spades.
The Bigger Picture
Championship teams aren’t built on stars alone. They’re built on depth, on players who step up in big moments even when the spotlight isn’t on them.
Cronenworth, Estrada, and Matsui fit that mold perfectly. They may not dominate the headlines, but their impact is undeniable.
As the Padres enter a pivotal 2026 season, these three could be the X-factors that push them over the top. Because when the stars do what they do - and the supporting cast plays at this level - that’s when special seasons happen.