Navigating the Return of Tom Cosgrove: A Roster Analysis for the Padres
As the San Diego Padres prepare for the 2025 season, one name that stands out is Tom Cosgrove. Once heralded for his exceptional performance as a rookie, Cosgrove experienced an uphill battle during the 2024 season, showcasing the unpredictable nature of sports development.
Tom Cosgrove pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Who is Tom Cosgrove?
Player Overview
- Position: Left-handed pitcher
- Bats/Throws: Left/Left
- 2024 Opening Day Age: 28
- Height/Weight: 6-foot-2 / 190 pounds
- How Acquired: 12th round in 2017 (Manhattan College)
- Contract Status: Earned $750,500 in 2024; arbitration-eligible in 2027.
After a standout debut year in 2023, where he ranked among the league’s best with an average exit velocity of 83.9 mph, the subsequent season proved challenging for Cosgrove. His overall stats tell a tale of struggles: a 0-1 record, an alarming 11.66 ERA, and a 1.98 WHIP over 18 games.
The 2024 Performance: A Shocking Decline
Cosgrove’s struggles were evident early in the 2024 season. A notable statistic was the .458 batting average against his sinker, which was more than double the .220 he allowed the previous year. This drop can be attributed to a loss of velocity and effectiveness. His sinker plummeted from an average of 91.0 mph to 90 mph, while his four-seamer suffered a similar fate.
The Turnaround Attempt
Despite these setbacks, hope is not lost. Cosgrove had a pivotal moment during a troubled period involving teammate Jacob Nix. While recovering from Tommy John surgery, he played a key role in aiding Nix during a mishap that led to Nix’s legal issues. Thankfully, Cosgrove remained unscathed by the legal ramifications and took this time to reinvent his pitching style. Acting on feedback from pitching development director Rob Marcello, he altered his arm slot. This adjustment transformed his curveball into a more effective sweeper, leading to a successful rookie season.
“Cosgrove proved to be one of the hardest pitchers to square up as a rookie.”
However, 2024 unfolded as a different scenario. After a dismal April that saw him demoted to Triple-A El Paso, he fought to regain form. In a promising turnaround, he solidified his performance late in the season with a strong finish, allowing only two runs in his final 15.2 innings of work.
Cosgrove in action against the Washington Nationals.
2025 Outlook: The Road Ahead
Looking towards the next season, the Padres find themselves in a precarious position with budget constraints and player movement. With Tanner Scott departing from the roster as a free agent, the pressure mounts on pre-arbitration players like Cosgrove to deliver. His trajectory as a critical element in the team’s bullpen now depends on his ability to recapture the skills that had him shining just a year prior.
Cosgrove’s resurgence would not only reinstate him as a vital asset to the Padres but also maintain the team’s competitive edge in a tight playoff race.
Conclusion
In a landscape where team dynamics frequently shift, the Padres need to rely on the potential resurgence of Tom Cosgrove. With the right adjustments and mindset, he could emerge as a significant contributor in a revitalized 2025 bullpen.
It’s a season to watch for both fans and critics alike, as Cosgrove seeks to solidify his place once again in the hearts of Padres supporters everywhere.
