Padres manager Mike Shildt indicated last week that he could eventually discuss a possible position switch with Bogaerts, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Analysis: Shildt said that Bogaerts is projected to play shortstop in 2024 "right now" but added that he will talk with the 31-year-old soon and indicated that an eventual move to the right side of the infield -- presumably second base -- would be discussed. Bogaerts actually graded out well defensively at shortstop for the second year in a row in 2023, but Ha-Seong Kim is viewed as the superior defender there and top shortstop prospect Jackson Merrill could be ready before long.
Xander Bogaerts Three more hits Wednesday
Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Rockies.
Analysis: After struggling for much of the year, Bogaerts is putting together a massive finish to his first season with the Padres. The shortstop has reeled off six straight multi-hit performances, and through 17 games in September he's batting .471 (32-for-68) with nine doubles, a triple, four homers, five steals, eight RBI and 19 runs. Bogaerts needs just one more home run and two more stolen bases to record his first career 20-20 campaign.
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