Padres Ha-Seong Kim Will Play Short Stop While Xander Bogaerts Moves to Second Base
San Diego’s new skipper is making some changes to the team’s defensive structure. Manager Mike Shildt reveals that the Padres Ha-Seong Kim will play short stop while Xander Bogaerts moves to second base. A move that will allow both players to be the strongest on the field.
If the goal, is to be better than in 2023, this fielding switch up is a very good sign. Mike Shildt is not afraid to shake things up; especially, if it is for the good of the team. Furthermore, last season, many fans speculated if former manager, Bob Melvin, had lost the locker room; due to some guys’ unwillingness to play or “go hard” for him.
Well, flash forward to now; and it feels like a brand new vibe. Diva attitudes are pushed to the side. Every player seems to be willing to work effortlessly along with Shildt. True camaraderie.
Nevertheless, San Diego’s manager Mike Shildt made the announcement today at the Padres’ Spring training. He was crystal clear that Ha-Seong Kim, the Gold glove defender will be playing shortstop for the Padres in 2024 with Xander Bogaerts voluntarily moving to second base.
This decision also shows the veteran leadership of Xander Bogaerts. To allow the team to play their best defender (although X was pretty stellar last season); at the shortstop position.
Moreover, this could begin to squash trade rumors. This decision may seem to indicate the Padres are not planning to trade Ha-Seong Kim anytime soon. That would be good news for Padres fans who have dreaded the possibility of fan favorite, Kim possibly being moved.
Moreover, switching Xander and Kim around may also suggest the Padres may have potential plans to attempt to extend Ha-Seong. Since if they’re going to keep him long-term; he has most value to the team at shortstop. So then, this could be a signal that the ball club is moving in the direction of maintaining Kim. However, we will have to wait-and-see to be sure.
Padres Ha-Seong Kim Will Play Short Stop While Xander Bogaerts Moves to Second Base
Additionally, during his discussion with the media; Mike Shildt went out of his way to praise the veteran leader, and champion Bogaerts for sacrificing his personal preferences for the good of the team. Last year Xander Bogaerts performed very well, according to all defensive metrics. Yet, on paper, Kim still has a slight edge.
However, as mentioned before, moves like this seem to be lacking in 2023 for the Padres. Leading many to speculate, that may be one of the reasons why San Diego was a “disappointment” and unfortunately missed the playoffs. Therefore, does such a decision like this now make the Padres a playoff team in 2024? We shall see, but all signs at least indicate that this is a group that’s willing to sacrifice for the good of the team and get onto a winning path. And that’s what you hope for as a fan and baseball enthusiast.
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