MLB.com gives hopeful prediction for Padres struggling infielder

Xander Bogaerts did not have a Xander Bogaerts-esque season in 2024. The 32-year-old Padres middle infielder posted a 92 OPS+ and a 1.2 bWAR, his worst marks since 2014. Excluding the shortened 2020 campaign, Bogaerts also registered a career-low 15 doubles.

While San Diego had a poor offseason retaining and acquiring players, some of that focus has curbed Bogaerts' recent struggles and what he could bring to the table in 2025. Ideally, last year was just a fluke, and not an overall alarming start to a decline to what has been a strong career. MLB.com appears to be in the school of thought that Bogaerts is not done just yet, predicting that he will be one of the most improved players from 2024 to 2025.

Padres' Xander Bogaerts is predicted to improve in 2025

The biggest selling point to Bogaerts having a stronger 2025 season is that he is returning to shortstop in a full-time setting. Last year, he slid over to second base to give Ha-Seong Kim the keys to shortstop, but now that he is gone, Bogaerts is returning to his natural position.

He is a career shortstop, logging 1,358 of his 1,496 career games at the position. Padres fans can only hope that Bogaerts going back to his preferred spot will translate into less of a focus on learning a new position, and more of an effort on producing at the plate.

Bogaerts is a five-time Silver Slugger and four-time All-Star, and much of that recognition is thanks to his offensive prowess. He's had eight seasons with 30 or more doubles, four 20-plus home run seasons, and four campaigns with a .300 or better average.

Much of that success at the plate has not come in San Diego through two seasons, however. Bogaerts batted .264 last season and .285 in 2023. He is signed through 2033, so the organization is banking on him turning back to his old self. Luckily for the Padres, that doesn't seem like a reach.

He has always been a natural hitter, and he showed some positive signs down the stretch in the regular season. In his last five games, he batted 7-for-18 (.389) before a forgettable slash line in seven postseason contests.

Could the Friars see Xander Bogaerts resurrect his career in 2025? After some floating rumors of him getting traded this offseason, he is now not only confirmed to stay, but will occupy shortstop every day. Hopefully the position swap will lead to more production at the plate. The Padres, now more than ever, need him to be the $280 million man they signed him to be.