Well! That did not take long to unleash A.J. Preller's maddness! After offering $40 million more to both Trea Turner and Aaron Judge and still losing out on both players, we knew Preller would break the ice with a big free agent. Good chances are he is not done as well.
Credit to Getty Images for this image.
Wow! The Juan Soto recruiting is 1-for-1 so far this offseason! After expressing his interest in having Xander Bogaerts come to San Diego, that is no longer a dream scenario. The Padres were eager to acquire another superstar this offseason and improve with a big bat to bolster in already loaded lineup.
Bogaerts, 30, has a career batting average of .292 with an OPS 0f .814. Becoming a very lethal hitter in the major leagues, Bogaerts has been one of the more quietly dominant players that has succeeded. With that being said, Bogaerts got his deal. 11 years worth $280 million with a no trade clause included. Well deserved for a player who absolutely rakes.
With most familiar territory coming at batting third or fourth in the lineup, Bogaerts is an excellent option to slot in that role for the Padres. The question is if he will be the primary shortstop when Fernando Tatis Jr. returns. That is for later discussion on the episode coming out Thursday. He is my projected lineup for now if the Padres also re-sign Profar.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (SS/2B/OF)
Juan Soto (OF)
Xander Bogaerts (SS/2B)
Manny Machado (3B)
Jake Cronenworth (1B)
Jurickson Profar (LF)
Austin Nola (C)
Trent Grisham (CF)
Luis Campusano (DH)
Now for right now it looks insane. I am hoping we do bring back Profar and even Drury who I did not list in that lineup to also be a 1B/DH. Perhaps a J.D. Martinez, depending on the deal? Overall, Bogaerts relieves so much pressure off the other young superstars and will string together many hits and RBI's for San Diego's already dangerous offseason.
Be ready for my full analysis on tomorrow's episode! We can finally celebrate Friar Faithful. But we all know Preller is just getting started!
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