Padres News: Xander Bogaerts Discusses Possibility of Position Change This Winter
Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts inked a large free-agent contract last offseason and wrapped up his first year in San Diego at his normal post at shortstop.
That could very well change by next year after the veteran recently expressed interest in a move across the infield if the team needed him to do so.
“I’m not, ‘Oh, I’ve got to be a shortstop. I was that guy when I came up. But I’m very realistic. And I mean, I’m not getting younger. I know. But I haven’t given any thought of if this might be too soon yet. Obviously, as a player, you feel like you can do it for a long time. But I am realistic.” If he were to move, Bogaerts would prefer second base. The Padres would have some work to do to convince him first base is where he belongs.“I don’t want that,” Bogaerts said. “I see it this way: center field, shortstop, second base, that’s the the triangle. You start going to the corners, you’re closer to the bench. I don’t want to be too quick going (to first).”
Should the former Red Sox star slide over to a new spot on defense, the team wouldn't lose out on much defense due to Ha Seong Kim's versatility.
Kim solidified his status as a key cog in the Friars lineup after a stellar season on both sides of the ball.
The team might very well consider Bogaerts in a new slot across the infield given Kim's ability to play anywhere from second, short or third as he showed this year.
Bogaerts felt some changes were necessary after a disappointing year for the team in an up-and-down season.
Said changes might not be restricted to Bogaerts but the entire organization in just a few months.
