Padres News: Bob Melvin Happy to Add Leadership of Xander Bogaerts to Roster
This offseason, the San Diego Padres surprised the baseball world when they signed All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract. The Padres didn't need another shortstop, considering both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim play that role. However, they felt like a team can never have too much star power, and it's hard to blame them.
While Padres manager Bob Melvin is excited to have Bogaerts in the lineup and on the field, he's also excited for his leadership off the field. Melvin spoke a little bit about what Bogaerts brings to the team in terms of leadership at spring training.
"Just watching his time in Boston, how much of a leader he is, and not only from a coaching perspective but players, as well. And I got plenty of messages about how this is a real guy in the clubhouse and on the field as far as leadership goes and you can't have too many of those guys."
Padres superstar third baseman Manny Machado has become the leader of this team in the clubhouse, but like Melvin said, you can never have too many veterans with leadership qualities and abilities. Moreover, Machado is going to opt out of his contract this offseason, and will command a massive deal when he hits free agency.
We know the Padres will want to bring him back, but there's no guarantee, especially if he gets an offer he can't refuse. So, the Padres took advantage of the opportunity they had this offseason, adding Bogaerts to enhance not only the lineup, but the clubhouse, too.
