X-factor: How Bogaerts’ signing shakes up Padres’ D

SAN DIEGO — The offseason is younger. More than two months stay till pitchers and catchers report — greater than two months for basic supervisor A.J. Preller to additional shake issues up in San Diego.

As such, workforce officers aren’t fairly able to make declarative statements about which gamers may swap positions subsequent season.

But this a lot is evident: The Xander Bogaerts signing modifications issues in an enormous means.

At a Friday afternoon press convention to introduce Bogaerts, Preller was adamant that the puzzle items will match — even when it means place modifications are anticipated for a handful of superstars.

“It’s not haphazard,” mentioned Preller, who confirmed Bogaerts will play shortstop in 2023. “We’ve talked about it. We have a general sense of what we’re going to try to do. … The common theme with all the guys we’ve talked to so far is we want to win. We have some really talented, versatile players, and we’re going to use that here as we go into next year.”

Those conversations have begun. Preller and supervisor Bob Melvin spent the previous couple of days chatting with their gamers in regards to the impression of the Bogaerts signing. (They even had a Zoom name with Kim slated for shortly after Bogaerts’ presser.)

But the largest positional domino to fall is Tatis, who, two offseasons in the past, signed a record-setting 14-year deal to be the Padres’ shortstop of the long run. That’s now not the case. Suddenly, it seems Tatis may very well be set for a full-time shift to the outfield.

“He could play anywhere,” Melvin mentioned. “I mean, I’m not going to put him behind the plate. But he could play anywhere, in probably any sport. He’s as athletic and talented a guy as there is in the game. He’s the type of guy that’s going to fill any hole.”

Still, Tatis has all the time made it clear he views himself as a shortstop. Even Bogaerts famous that his presence in San Diego got here as one thing of a shock.

“San Diego was my first All-Star Game back in 2016,” Bogaerts mentioned. “So I definitely envisioned myself maybe being here one day. But after they got Tatis, I was a little unsure. I was like, ‘That doesn’t fit.’ But here I am. It’s crazy how the world works.”

Tatis has evidently softened his shortstop-or-bust stance. Last 12 months, earlier than his suspension, the Padres have been anticipating Tatis to play each shortstop and outfield, permitting them to platoon Kim and middle fielder Trent Grisham. Now Tatis received’t return till mid-April, after testing constructive for a performance-enhancing substance.

“He just wants to play, and he wants to win,” mentioned Melvin. “We’ll figure out what the team looks like on the field as we go along. Like I said, the offseason is still going on.”

Indeed, the rest of the offseason will dictate the Padres’ actual plans for Tatis. Were they so as to add a nook outfielder, Tatis might get the majority of his reps in middle. Grisham is a two-time Gold Glover however struggled final season on the plate.

Otherwise, Tatis would presumably shift to proper. Soto has spent the majority of his profession there. But proper area at Petco Park is much extra spacious than left, and Tatis’ elite athleticism might play properly. As for Soto?

“Either right or left field, he’s played both,” Preller mentioned. “That’s another piece, a guy that’s had experience playing either corner. He’ll know where he’s going to play and lock in at one spot. We’ll see how the rest of the offseason goes before we have that conversation.”

The infield dynamic is equally difficult. Kim was a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop. Cronenworth was a Gold Glove finalist at second. Both shall be requested to play elsewhere.

But Kim has already confirmed himself an impressive defensive second baseman. Same for Cronenworth at first. Were the Padres to signal a primary baseman — nonetheless a definite risk — there shall be additional positional inquiries to ask. But the emptiness at designated hitter helps mitigate that infield logjam.

“Croney has the ability obviously at second and first,” Preller mentioned. “… Ha-Seong playing any of the infield spots, Tati infield or outfield — we’re going to see how the next couple weeks go, from a roster standpoint, and see what we’re left with.”