Padres fans seeing an improved Xander Bogaerts
Padres shortstop excels in 2026
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres looks on after lining out during the second inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park on April 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images San Diego Padres president of baseball operations/general manager A.
J. Preller signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year/$280 million contract on Dec. 9, 2022.
He had a storied career with the Boston Red Sox before becoming a free agent and signing with San Diego. With Boston he won five Silver Slugger awards, was an All-Star four times and won the World Series twice. Padres fans were hoping that the Bogaerts who played for the Friars would be that same guy.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries has interrupted all of his previous seasons prior to this one. 2023-2025 with the Padres In 2023, Bogaerts had a recurrence of a wrist injury that had bothered him in the past and it plagued him for at least half of the season. He also had a calf injury toward the end of the season.