For a few days, we understand that the San Diego Padres intend to do as they have been doing for a few years: to put their noses in the big files.
The club theoretically has the squad to simply add depth. It would also allow them to keep money for Juan Soto.
But let’s just say it’s way more fun to see the Padres in the big stuff. And right now, they’re in talks to add a big shortstop via the free agency market.
Obviously, it’s logical to think that this would undoubtedly have the effect of pushing Fernando Tatis Jr. elsewhere on the field.
But is this really the case? Would only Tatis Jr. get paid when he returns from suspension?
According to what Ken Rosenthal reports, the club would like to sign Xander Bogaerts (not necessarily a surprise) this winter… but not necessarily to play shortstop every day.
We know that Bogaerts, even if he made giant strides at this level in 2022, is not necessarily the best defensive shortstop in MLB.
With Ha-Seong Kim (whom the Padres loved defensively at shortstop) and Manny Machado on the left side of the infield, the club would like to know if Bogaerts would, for example, also play at first or second short term goal.
Fernando Tatis Jr. could also play infield and at second base.
Imagine having Tatis Jr. and Bogaerts in the club… and having neither of them at the club.‘shortstop. Would Bogaerts really accept that, he who wants to play shortstop?
What you also need to know is that Manny Machado has an escape clause in his contract after the 2023 season. If he uses it, could Bogaerts go to third base?
It looks like what the Sox did with the signing of Trevor Story to protect themselves in the event of the departure of Xander Bogaerts, precisely. This is perhaps not the strategy of the century since Bogaerts would have, according to leaders, cut the channels of communication with Boston.
In short, it brews quite a bit in San Diego. All options are on the table right now and it’s good to see out of the box ideas being considered.
I expect to see Bogaerts sign somewhere as a shortstop though. however, I don’t expect it to be in Arizona with the Diamondbacks, who called Scott Boras regarding the former Sox.
- Shelby Miller gets herself a contract.
- Kodai Senga in San Francisco?
- It’s going to stir soon in the MLB.
