When the San Diego Padres signed infielder Xander Bogaerts to the ninth-richest contract in major league baseball history, he knew he would not last an entire 11 years at the premium shortstop position.
However, he didn't think a position switch would happen after only one season. Call it a demotion or a simple change, but Bogaerts will now play second base for the Friars.
Padres manager Mike Shildt named Ha-Seong Kim the primary shortstop for the 2024 season after his stellar play in 2023, which ended with a Gold Glove Award. The infield will look a bit different in 2024. Even though Bogaerts's position is set, he has an idea to return to shortstop this season — simply by asking.
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee reported Bogaerts would ask to play shortstop when Kim has a day off this season.
The 31-year-old infielder played shortstop on Wednesday when the Friars took on the Cincinnati Reds.
It seems like Shildt will grant Bogaerts' wish, as he told Acee he will play short when Kim gets a day off.
“(Bogaerts) is going to slide over and play short when Kimmy needs a day. So it’s a great opportunity for him to go over and do that today. … He’s the backup shortstop.”
Bogaerts suffered through a wrist injury in his first season in San Diego. However, he received a cortisone shot and started the season out hot.
Bogaerts began the season with a 30-game on-base streak but struggled during the season's middle months. He wasn't alone. The Padres ended up winning 82 games and missing the postseason altogether.
The team hopes for things to be different in 2024, as Bogaerts will look to shine at second base and shortstop at times.
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