The possibility of San Diego Padres starting shortstop Xander Bogaerts moving to second base or first base next year is being considered. The possibility of Kim Ha-seong returning to shortstop has increased. Ha-Sung Kim was rumored to be traded when Bogaerts was hired as a free agent after last season, but he has now been recognized as the team’s best defense, production, and popularity, and has established himself as a non-tradeable resource.
The American newspaper ‘The Athletic’ reported on the 21st (Korean time) that San Diego will ask Bogaerts to change his position. Bogaerts, a slugging shortstop who came to San Diego after signing an 11-year, $280 million free agent contract with San Diego last December, has a batting average of .285 (170 hits in 596 at-bats) in 155 games this season, with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He recorded an OPS of .790.
Compared to previous years, batting production decreased, and the shortstop defense was also shaky. OAA, an indicator of outages compared to average, is +3, ranking 11th out of 20 shortstops with regular at-bats, which is mid-level in the league. DRS, an indicator of preventing runs through defense, was also below the average at -4. According to Statcast, his arm strength was also low at 24%.
“I think we did okay,” Bogaerts said of his defense last month. “He could have done a lot better,” he said, referring to four of his eight errors overall on the season, which he made from Aug. 23 to Sept. 19. “I would say it was a mental mistake. I was in too much of a hurry. Instead of getting a clear out, he quickly attempted a double play. “Overall, I handled my hitting well, but my mistake was trying to do too much.”
The Athletic said, ‘The addition of Bogaerts had an impact on the team’s defensive position. Ha-seong Kim played outstandingly as the starting second baseman this year, but is considered the shortstop with the best defense in San Diego. Jake Cronenworth, who is in the first year of a 7-year, $80 million extension contract, is better suited to second base than first base, who had the worst season of his career,’ San Diego said, returning the keystone combination of shortstop Kim Ha-seong and second baseman Cronenworth. He announced that he was considering sending Du Bogaerts to first base.
Bogaerts, who expressed regret by saying, “I have a lot left to show as a shortstop,” said, “I have no idea about future discussions with the club about switching positions.” “He will do so when the time comes,” he answered vaguely. Bogaerts, who has played only as a shortstop for 10 years since 2014, will find it difficult to give up this position easily.
However, just by considering Bogaerts’ position change, the club can see how high the internal evaluation of Kim Ha-seong’s defense is. The Athletic said, ‘San Diego, which is in a complex situation, may consider trading Ha-Sung Kim or Cronenworth to form a balanced roster. However, Kim Ha-seong is one of the most productive and popular players on the team,’ and viewed the possibility of trading Kim Ha-seong as unrealistic, as he has high value within the team and is greatly loved by fans. Ha-seong Kim is the top fielder on the team this year with a total WAR of 5.8 on offense and defense, and is so popular that San Diego home fans have their own cheering slogan.
If he continues this trend as a shortstop, his value can increase significantly ahead of free agency. Ha-seong Kim was also confident of his return to shortstop. He said, “I think shortstop is still the position I’m best at and the position where I can perform the best.” Regarding remaining as a second baseman, “Of course, there is no problem. I respect that Bogaerts is our team’s starting shortstop. As the starting second baseman, I also worked with Bogaerts for a year. “I am confident that we will be able to show a more solid defense next year,” he said, not forgetting to make a comment respecting Bogaerts.
However, at the beginning of next season, Ha-seong Kim is likely to start as a third baseman rather than a shortstop or second baseman. It is unclear whether starting third baseman Manny Machado, who underwent post-season elbow extensor tendon surgery and began rehabilitation, will be able to join the team until the season opens in Korea at the end of March next year. This surgery is expected to require 4 to 6 months of rehabilitation. Only after Machado returns from injury will the exact positions of Kim Ha-seong, Bogaerts, and Cronenworth be organized.
Source: 온라인바둑이