Padres Manager Reveals Decision About Ex-Red Sox Star Xander Bogaerts

What’s old will again be new for Xander Bogaerts.

Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed Bogaerts will transition back to shortstop entering San Diego’s 2025 campaign. Speaking at Petco Park on Saturday, Shildt said he had a “great conversation” with Bogaerts, who is “very enthusiastic” about the chance to return to short.

Bogaerts played 85 games at second base last season as the Padres tried to maximize their defense with Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop. Kim left San Diego and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason.

Prior to 2024, Bogaerts played shortstop in each of his previous 11 campaigns. Bogaerts was a four-time MLB All-Star during his 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, playing exclusively at shortstop.

The 32-year-old Bogaerts, who has nine years remaining on his 11-year contract, could always be moved back to second base somewhere down the line.