After new Padres' manager Mike Shildt announced Xander Bogaerts is going to be the primary second baseman for the 2024 season, could the beloved Ha-Seong Kim call San Diego his home for good?
Credit to USA Today for this image.
The newest manager for the Padres wasted no time in making a big decision and the season has not even started yet. Nor has Spring Training just yet. Mike Shildt has advised the media that Xander Bogaerts is slotting over to second base, while Ha-Seong Kim takes back the throne at shortstop.
This decision is being well received from most. Even from Bogaerts; who has become the second player along with Fernando Tatis Jr. to move from their primary shortstop position one year after their contracts.
Many were comfortable with Tatis Jr. transitioning to right field due to his athleticism and speed. With that transition came a Platinum Glove Award for his first season in right field. He was spectacular as usual and could easily be a "dark horse" candidate for the N.L. MVP this upcoming year.
For Bogaerts however, he has never experienced one inning over at second base. I am sure he will adapt fairly well. The Padres like to show versatility within their team and that does bring flexibility within lineups.
Kim, on the other hand, has had over 1,500 innings of experience at short, while being the primary shortstop in 2022 due to Tatis' PED suspension that year.
Bogaerts stated that he came here to be the primary shortstop, but is willing to move if this can bring a championship to the team.
Now that Kim is the defensive wizard on the left side again, it is looking to be the long-term option, maybe. You have to consider where Jackson Merrill will play over time as well. Despite very light work in left field, could Merrill make his way over to the infield again if Kim is dealt for the right price?
One thing to truly consider is that Kim's value is high in trade talks. The numbers he posted with the defense he brings now at short yet again puts him on a higher pedestal.
Kim is going to want a higher paying contract, and rightfully so with the way the market is trending. It will put a major question on if the Padres want to commit after some of these deals have already paid the price; including the Bogaerts deal.
I cover more on this within the latest episode from February 17th. The link to listen is below and feel free to check out the YouTube channel as well! (Link in bio)
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