We've been talking about it for a while, but when the Padres signed Xander Bogaerts last year, they guaranteed him the shortstop position through 2023 only. He doesn't have the profile of a long-term shortstop.
After? We’ll see, the Padres promised. Bogaerts signed anyway.
Everyone knows he's better suited to play second base and that Ha-Seong Kim, who will be a free agent in a year, is better at shortstop.
But what we didn't know was this: Would new Padres manager Mike Shildt go ahead with the plan?
He may have already been in San Diego for two years, but the fact remains that he is a new manager all the same. It's a big decision.
That said, it was decided that yes, Bogaerts will play second base for the time being. It's not a plan that can't change, but right now, in 2024, that's his position.
Note that he never played in the Majors, but he still accepted his manager's plan. He showed class by agreeing to put the needs of his club ahead of his own.
And Shildt really appreciates that.
Kim has a lot of experience at shortstop. He mainly played there in 2022 during the suspension and injury of Fernando Tatis Jr. He is excellent. He also played there in 2021 and 2023.
Let us also remember that Jackson Merrill, one of the club's big hopes, plays at position #6. Eventually, this could be his position.
Speaking of Tatis Jr. and Bogaerts, we see two guys signed to be shortstop (14- and 11-year contracts, respectively), but who won't be playing shortstop in 2024 .
Tatis Jr. will stay in right and Bogaerts will play on the right side of the infield for the first time in the Majors.
Note, ironically, that the Red Sox were looking for a second baseman this winter. Vaughn Grissom, acquired over Chris Sale, should have the job at the end of camp.
But in California, Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts will both play at the #4 position.
Let's also remember that two years ago, Trevor Story signed with Boston to play second base while Bogaerts was still at shortstop.
And there, even if they no longer play together, they have exchanged positions. #Irony
Note also, if we want to push the analysis, that the Padres have another shortstop player in their organization who plays another position: Manny Machado.
What a funny frankness, all the same.
- Scott Boras obviously doesn't want a deadline to sign players in the MLB. It would take away his power.
- Theo Epstein as commissioner?
- Justin Turner can't wait to play for a Canadian club.
- If healthy, Jarren Duran is the Red Sox leadoff hitter.
- Tim Anderson has a contract offer from the Marlins on the table.
