3 teams who could swipe Xander Bogaerts from Padres in free agency

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are linked with everybody, so their inclusion is no surprise. With Trea Turner also hitting free agency, though, they’re perusing the shortstop market, and Boston reporter Marino Pepen understands Los Angeles has joined the growing list of teams interested in the four-time All-Star.

Padres fans will hate hearing this, but the Dodgers only have $152 million devoted to their 2023 payroll, meaning they have plenty of resources to sign Bogaerts and another high-profile signing; perhaps Justin Verlander or Jacob deGrom.

Shortstop has been a revolving door for the Dodgers the last two seasons with Corey Seager and Trea Turner filling the position in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Inking Bogaerts to a lucrative seven-year deal (or thereabouts) would give LA needed security at the position. It’d also give them a strong middle infield with Gavin Lux coming into his own as a former touted prospect.

Did we mention that former Red Sox teammate Mookie Betts could play a significant role in the Dodgers’ recruiting pitch? The other parts of the pitch? Signing a big-money contract to play in Hollywood for a team that’s an annual lock to win 100 games … all the while reuniting with one of his good friends.

Never, ever rule out the Dodgers.