Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Jake Cronenworth was hit in the jaw by a pitch from Angels pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on April 18, 2026. Initially cleared from concussion protocol, he continued playing for nearly three weeks while experiencing worsening symptoms including headaches, fogginess, difficulty focusing, and dizziness. He attributed symptoms to high altitude during trips to Denver and Mexico City. His batting performance collapsed to .111 (3-for-27) with a .498 OPS since the incident. He was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list on May 5 after reporting feeling "hungover for the fourth straight day." This is his first concussion in his seven-year MLB career.
Strengths
- + Legendary toughness and durability - has been hit by pitch 65 times in career
- + No prior concussion history suggests good baseline health
- + Medical staff now properly monitoring condition
- + Early intervention may prevent further deterioration
Weaknesses
- - Severe batting slump: .144 average with 1 HR and 4 RBI for season
- - Played through undiagnosed concussion for 18 days, worsening condition
- - Reported difficulty locating pitches and dizziness during at-bats
- - Career-worst offensive performance
- - Delayed recognition of symptoms due to altitude confusion
- - Concussion symptoms persisted and worsened over extended period
Injury Status: IL-10 -- Concussion from hit-by-pitch to jaw/chin on April 18, 2026 by Yusei Kikuchi. Initially cleared but symptoms emerged days later. Played through undiagnosed concussion for approximately 18 days before being placed on 7-day concussion IL on May 5.
About
C.J. Cron is a first baseman for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
1B
Chicago Cubs