Padres News: Xander Bogaerts is Making Sure No One Takes Shortstop Away From Him
Spring Training just kicked off for the San Diego Padres and the completive spirit is already in the air. They are bringing in a load of talent, much more than previous years, and every player has their eyes on a certain role.
Xander Boegarts agreed to an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres this past offseason and the expectations for him are clear-cut: dominate as their shortstop. He was primarily granted such a big deal due to his play at that position last season and San Diego is even moving their previous star shortstop, Fernando Tatis Jr., to make room for Boegarts.
In media coverage with reporter Allison Edmonds, the 30-year-old discussed the importance of not taking his spot on the team for granted.
"We have guys that play pretty well at all the positions, including my position," said Boegarts. "So I gotta try to lock that down and make sure no one comes for it."
It's great to see someone like Boegarts who is new to the franchise already setting the tone with hard work. He is showing that he will not get comfortable and prove to the front office why that contract was well deserved.
Ha-Seong-Kim is another player that saw his position change this season in favor of Bogaerts after he started 125 games last season at shortstop while Tatis was out. The former Red Sox player arrived in town and that changed immediately.
The Padres as a whole enter the year with a lot to look forward to. An overload of talent at one position is a preferred problem to have as a team, especially if said players are versatile.
