Shocking Move Coming For Padres Lineup Soon

When the San Diego Padres made their stunning signing of Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280M contract last winter, it was with the intention of the former Boston Red Sox star becoming their shortstop of the future. He's even said in the past that he wasn't interested in changing positions anytime soon. 

Now it appears that time could indeed be coming sooner than later. Plans are already in the works in San Diego to move the four-time All-Star out of the keystone next year, to allow for far-superior shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to return to the position. 

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic:

Some team officials would like to see Bogaerts move to first base or second base next season, with Kim back at shortstop and (Jackson) Merrill eventually claiming a super-utility job if he does not settle in at one spot. 

Whether it be first base, second, or even left field, the Friars feel that Bogaerts can offer a lot to the team moving around the field, and they've already begun working him out at these other positions. 

While Bogaerts has won plenty of Silver Sluggers in his career as the best hitting shortstop in his league, he's never been a serious contender for a Gold Glove. Kim, on the other hand, was a finalist for the award in 2022, and won three of them in Japan. He could win another one this year, only this time at second base. 

How much of the Padres' struggles this season can be attributed to missing Kim's elite glovework at short is hard to say, but returning him to the position next season would certainly be a benefit. 

Photo; Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports