Padres Face Shortstop Conundrum
As the San Diego Padres prepare for the 2025 season, one of their primary concerns is addressing the shortstop position. With Ha-Seong Kim expected to opt out of his contract and test free agency, the Padres are faced with the critical task of filling the gap left by the former Gold Glove winner.
Kim’s decision to hire renowned agent Scott Boras suggests he’s aiming for a lucrative deal, one that the Padres may not be willing to match. Kim, a fan favorite in San Diego, leaves the front office evaluating alternative solutions to replace him.
Padres Have Shortstop Dilemma Ahead of 2025 Season
Bogaerts, Merrill, Or Tatis?
One option for the Padres is to shift Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop. After playing the majority of his career at shortstop, Bogaerts transitioned to second base in 2024 but returned to his former position when Ha-Seong Kim sustained a shoulder injury in August. Although he displayed moments of brilliance, Bogaerts struggled with consistency, committing several costly errors alongside some impressive defensive plays. His uneven performance has led to speculation about whether keeping him at second base might be a more stable long-term solution.
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Padres Face Shortstop Dilemma Ahead of 2025 Season
Kim’s recent move to hire super-agent Scott Boras signals his intent to pursue a major contract in free agency, one the Padres are unlikely to match. A fan favorite in San Diego, Kim’s potential departure forces the front office to evaluate their options at shortstop.
Bogaerts, Merrill, or Tatis?
One solution for the Padres is shifting Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop. After spending most of his career at shortstop, Bogaerts moved to second base in 2024 but returned to short when Ha-Seong Kim suffered a shoulder injury in August. While Bogaerts flashed his former brilliance, his inconsistency—marked by several costly errors despite some impressive defensive plays—raises questions about whether keeping him at second base might be a better long-term solution.
If Bogaerts doesn’t return to shortstop, the Padres have two other internal candidates: Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. Merrill, who had a breakout rookie season in center field, has the athleticism and versatility to shift back to the infield. Originally a top prospect as a shortstop, a return to his natural position could be a smart move for the team’s future. Merrill has already shown his willingness to play wherever the team needs him, indicating openness to a potential infield move.
Another crucial element in the Padres’ decision-making process is the rapid development of one of their top prospects, Leodalis De Vries. The 18-year-old switch-hitting shortstop has quickly risen through the ranks of the Padres’ farm system. He is projected to be a major contributor to the big league club by 2026 or 2027. De Vries has impressed so far in 2024, his first season in the minors. He has slashed .238/.361/.442 with 11 home runs, 38 RBI, and a .802 OPS. De Vries has drawn rave reviews for his defense and offensive upside. His arrival could be perfectly timed to coincide with the Padres’ championship window. However, it’s clear that De Vries will need more seasoning in the minors. 2025 is a transitional year for the Padres at shortstop.
External Solutions
If the Padres are unwilling to rely solely on their in-house options, they could explore the free-agent market or trade opportunities. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller has a history of collecting shortstops, and with his penchant for versatility, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pull off a move to bring in another player who can contribute at the position.
