Padres Suggested As Surprise Team Joining Race For Xander Bogaerts

J.D. Martinez Boston Red Sox — Xander Bogaerts could be insurance for the Padres with Fernando Tatis Jr. performing inconsistently. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

Xander Bogaerts is drawing interest from teams like the San Diego Padres
The Padres could make a push for Bogaerts because of concerns about Fernando Tatis Jr.'s consistency
The Phillies are also in the mix for Bogaerts, but closing a deal will be complicated

Multiple MLB teams are reportedly interested in Xander Bogaerts, one of several shortstops available in the free-agent market.

Aside from the 30-year-old All-Star, other names also include Carlos Correa, Trea Turner and Danby Swanson.

At some point, these names are expected to sign rich, long-term contracts this winter

Among the teams believed to be prowling for a shortstop are MLB teams including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Hence, it would make sense to match these teams with the top shortstop free agents in the market.

But then again, there could be a dark horse in the mix.

According to a column by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the San Diego Padres could be a surprise team in the race for Bogaerts' services.

For those who have followed the Padres' moves up to this point, it may not make sense as they made a huge investment in Fernando Tatis Jr., suggesting that San Diego does not need someone like Bogaerts.

However, the Padres could adjust to the situation in the event they successfully reel in Bogaerts.

Tatis would be moved to the outfield if the "X-Man" is acquired. This could also address concerns of inconsistency issues tied to "El Nino."

Furthermore, another team linked to Bogaerts is reportedly the Minnesota Twins.

Should they fail to retain Correa, the Twins could turn their focus on the long-time Red Sox shortstop as a replacement.

Hence, Bogaerts is not short of options. As reported previously here on International Business Times, another ballclub that could make a swoop for him is the Phillies.

However, the process is a bit complicated since the Phillies are over the luxury tax threshold in 2022.

If Philly pursues the four-time All-Star, they would have to give up $1 million of their international pool bonus as well as their second and fifth-highest picks in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Aside from that, moving to the Phillies would also reunite Bogaerts with a familiar face in team executive Dave Dombrowski.

Dombrowski is the same person who signed Bogaerts to a six-year contract extension worth $120 million in April 2019 with the Red Sox.

However, Bogaerts opted out of the final three years of that deal.