Padres Manager Mike Shildt on Xander Bogaerts' Position: 'Right Now He's Playing Shortstop
The San Diego Padres are gearing up for the 2024 season with a sense of renewal. No more are the star-studded lineups like they were in years past.
Under the guidance of new manager Mike Shildt, who will take the helm for the Padres after two years with the organization. The Friars are embarking on a new chapter.
Amidst these changes, a significant question lingers regarding the role of superstar infielder Xander Bogaerts.
In a recent interview with Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Shildt addressed the question about Bogaerts remaining at shortstop. For the upcoming season, the plan is to retain Bogaerts in his familiar shortstop position.
Q: What position will Xander Bogaerts play this season?
Shildt: That’s a good question. Right now he’s playing shortstop.
Bogaerts, a seasoned 31-year-old, delivered a commendable performance in his first season in Southern California. He boasted a batting average of .285, swatted 19 home runs and 70 hits, scored 83 runs and notched 58 RBIs in 596 at-bats.
Defensively, his contributions were equally impressive, having played 146 games at shortstop, where he accumulated 167 putouts, participated in 64 double plays, and maintained a stellar .985 fielding percentage.
However, Shildt hasn't entirely ruled out the prospect of a positional shift for Bogaerts.
Q: Have you talked to him about a move to the right side of the infield?
Shildt: Not in earnest. We’re gonna spend some time together soon. He did a nice job at shortstop. Obviously, (Ha-Seong) Kim won a Gold Glove (as a utility player) and can play shortstop. The great news is there are options there.
While the seasoned infielder has spent his entire career on the left side of the infield, primarily as a shortstop, third baseman or designated hitter during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Shildt's managerial approach could introduce a new dynamic.
The possibility of moving Bogaerts to the right side of the infield is under consideration, leaving fans and pundits curious about how Bogaerts would respond to such a change in the upcoming season.
The evolving narrative surrounding Bogaerts adds an intriguing layer to the Padres' outlook as they navigate this transitional phase under Shildt's leadership.
