San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts is facing intense scrutiny over his sizeable contract while the team fights for a playoff spot in the 2023 MLB season. Having signed an 11-year, $280 million deal with the Padres after a decade-long career with the Boston Red Sox, Bogaerts now stands as both a key player and a source of debate among fans and analysts concerning his value and contributions to the team.
Comparing Contracts Intensifies Pressure on Bogaerts
The sizeable length of Bogaerts’ contract contributes to the growing pressure surrounding his performance. Sports analyst Kerry Miller highlights that unlike players with shorter deals, Bogaerts must prove his worth for nearly eight more years under this high financial commitment. Miller contrasts Bogaerts’ situation with that of Trevor Story, who commands a comparable salary and output this season but faces less criticism because of his shorter contract duration.
Despite his strong résumé with the Red Sox, where he earned four All-Star honors and five Silver Slugger awards, Bogaerts’ current numbers have fallen below Padres fans’ expectations. His batting average stands at .272 with a .333 on-base percentage and .405 slugging percentage. These marks, while decent, reflect a downturn from his peak years and raised concerns early in the season when he hovered near a .240 average in May and early June.
Midseason Performance Reignites Optimism
Bogaerts’ season began unevenly, but a notable turnaround in June has brought renewed hope. Following an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 18, he hit an impressive .472 from June 19 through the month’s end. This late surge included hitting both of his June home runs and recording at least one hit in every game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling a positive shift in his game.
With the Padres currently occupying the final Wild Card spot in the National League, Bogaerts’ revitalized play is crucial as the team contests with rivals like the St. Louis Cardinals. Upcoming matchups against challenging opponents such as the Texas Rangers will test his ability to sustain this momentum and help secure a playoff berth.
Future Implications for Bogaerts and the Padres
Looking ahead, the Padres are placing considerable faith in Bogaerts to perform consistently throughout the remaining eight years of his contract. His resurgence in June offers hope that the team’s investment will pay off, especially as they aim to clinch their second straight postseason appearance. However, both Bogaerts and the Padres face ongoing scrutiny as pressure mounts to justify such a significant commitment while navigating the challenges of a competitive season.
“If Bogaerts were nearing the end of his contract, his current performance might not sting as much for fans and analysts alike.” —Kerry Miller, Sports Analyst
“A wildy expensive lemon.” —Kerry Miller, Sports Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What bone did Xander Bogaerts break?
A. Xander Bogaerts, a standout second baseman for the San Diego Padres, injured his left shoulder while trying to make a diving catch, leading to him being put on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday.