The journey away from the Boston Crimson Sox stays, let’s say, adventurous for Xander Bogaerts.
The once-franchise shortstop signed with the San Diego Padres on an enormous 11-year, $280 million free-agent deal following the 2022 season. That closed the Crimson Sox chapter of Bogaerts’ profession, which featured two World Sequence titles, 4 All-Star alternatives and two Silver Slugger honors.
Bogaerts had a good debut season in San Diego, hitting .285 with a .790 OPS for the Padres in 2023. That offseason created a brand new image for Bogaerts along with his new crew. San Diego opted to prioritize the protection of Ha-Seong Kim because the on a regular basis shortstop. In consequence, the Padres moved Bogaerts to second base, which he actually didn’t play with the Crimson Sox recurrently.
Bogaerts hasn’t been himself to begin 2024, tallying -3 defensive runs saved whereas hitting .217 with a .571 OPS. In assessing the center infield, the Padres made an impression transfer on Friday evening, buying and selling for former NL batting champion and Miami Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez.
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So, the place does that go away Bogaerts if Arraez takes over at second base?
Manny Machado is the Padres’ present designated hitter, although he might transfer again to 3rd base, the place Tyler Wade has not made a significant impression offensively.
The deal for Bogaerts and the Padres simply hasn’t appeared to click on for a franchise that’s made some puzzling strikes about its path. To be able to shed eventual payroll, San Diego dealt Juan Soto to the New York Yankees early within the offseason. Then, the Padres determined they wished to purchase and made a deal to go get frontline starter Dylan Stop from the Chicago White Sox. Bogaerts and the Padres stay proficient, although their potential and path are price one other dialog.
Bogaerts’ position with San Diego will certainly be a storyline when he makes his Fenway Park homecoming when the Crimson Sox host the Padres for a three-game sequence that begins on June 28.
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