Padres' Overpaid Slugger Could Help Fix Problem at Shortstop for Tigers
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The Detroit Tigers are running away with the American League Central so far this season, and now their sights should be set on a larger goal.
After a strong second half of the year in 2024, the Tigers have proven that last campaign was no fluke with the success they have had so far.
When looking at the roster, the team is certainly in a better position to succeed than they were last year when they had to use some smoke and mirrors to piece things together. Despite being a better unit, though, there are still some areas Detroit will likely look to improve this summer.
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In the starting rotation, they have been hit hard by injuries, so potentially bringing in another arm to provide some depth would be wise.
In the bullpen, high-leverage arms are always needed in October, and giving A.J. Hinch another weapon to use in relief would be smart.
When looking at the lineup, there are a couple of areas that could use some help.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report recently wrote about San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts being a potential fit for the Tigers to help improve the shortstop position.
“The position has produced a paltry 0.4 rWAR, not to mention -3 Outs Above Average. Bogaerts could at least help with the latter, as he's been a consistently above-average defender at shortstop ever since 2022.”
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Since joining the Padres, the numbers for the former All-Star have gone in the wrong direction.
In 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, he slashed .292/.356/.458. However, during his tenure with San Diego, his slash line has gone to .267/.327/.395.
While the ballpark likely has played a factor in the decline, Bogaerts isn’t coming close to producing at the level his contract would indicate.
With another eight years left on his deal, San Diego would certainly like to get out of some of the money that is going to be owed to him.
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This could be a potential avenue for the Tigers to consider when it comes to getting help them on the left side of the infield if the money ends up being right. While how much of the contract they'd have to pick up would be key to facilitate any type of deal, the former All-Star might be a better fit hitting in Detroit compared to San Diego.
Even though he is currently living up to his contract with the Padres, Bogaerts could be a solution to a problem for the Tigers in their quest to win a World Series this season.
For more Tigers news, head over to Tigers On SI.
Nick Ziegler is an alumnus of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He has been working in sports media covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL for nearly a decade with various publications online. With his free time, Nick enjoys being at the Jersey Shore with his wife, daughter, and their golden retriever. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @NickZiegler20.