The Giants are having to compete, both on the field and in the offseason, with the super powers in the National League West. Thus far, they’re lagging behind.
The Padres, according to multiple reports, landed star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million deal. Bogaerts, a four-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger and two-time World Series champion, will join Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Juan Soto in San Diego’s lineup.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report the contract.
General manager A.J. Preller has been aggressive in pursuing high-profile players. The Padres also reportedly offered Trea Turner a contract that would’ve made him the highest-paid shortstop ever, but Turner took less money to go to Philadelphia. San Diego also reportedly was prepared to propose a $400 million deal to Aaron Judge, who is returning to New York.
Unfazed by striking out and determined to land another star, San Diego ends up with Bogaerts, who hit. 307 last year.
Bogaerts entered free agency as the most accomplished hitter among the four available shortstops — Turner, Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson. He spent the first 10 years of his career with the Red Sox, where he became one of the most respected players in the game as a homegrown star.
With Bogaerts, the Padres could move Tatis to the outfield; the 23-year-old is currently serving a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
At full strength, the Padres will have one of the most talented lineups ever, with Bogaerts, Tatis, Soto, Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Trent Grisham. Their pitching staff also features Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Josh Hader.
Now that Bogaerts is off the board, the best remaining position players available in free agency are shortstops Dansby Swanson and Carlos Correa, plus center fielder Brandon Nimmo.
Correa, still only 28, is likely to command more than $300 million. The Giants have reportedly been in touch with Correa’s agents, and with more star power entering the division, the pressure is on them to bring a big-time player to the Bay.
