Xander Bogaerts is going back to a familiar place. The San Diego Padres star return to the shortstop position for the 2025 MLB season, manager Mike Shildt confirmed during the annual fan fest. The decision comes after Ha-Seong Kim signed with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason.

The San Diego Padres are open to trading Xander Bogaerts alongside a top prospect to an MLB team that is willing to take on Bogaerts hefty 11-year, $280 million contract.

Veteran Xander Bogaerts will return to the shortstop position for the San Diego Padres in 2025, manager Mike Shildt told reporters on Saturday. The announcement of the decision comes days after incumbent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

This year, Bogaerts will be back at his familiar shortstop when the San Diego Padres open spring training later this month in Peoria, Ariz. Jake Cronenworth also will be moving back to second base after being the team's primary first baseman last year.

It’s surprisingly easy to forget how productive Xander Bogaerts was from 2015-23. Over nine seasons, the shortstop slashed .297/.362/.468 with 162 home runs, 90 stolen bases, and 38.4 FanGraphs WAR, an average of 4.

With Ha-Seong Kim headed to Tampa Bay, the Padres are planning on Xander Bogaerts returning to shortstop. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

After playing 2nd base for Padres during the 2024 season, Xander Bogaerts is happy to be moving back to shortstop

Sizing up the Padres’ 40-man roster heading into the 2025 season: Xander Bogaerts changed positions twice, sustained a fractured shoulder and again struggled offensively in his new home in San