Padres infield picture clarifies after latest roster news

At Padres Fan Fest, manager Mike Shildt revealed his plans for the shortstop position. Shildt told reporters, including Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune, that Xander Bogaerts will be the starting shortstop.

The move is hardly surprising. Bogaerts moved over to second base in 2024 to put the best infield defense on the field. With Ha-Seong Kim signing with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the week, the Padres' high-priced infielder will return to his original position.

San Diego is no stranger to what their lineup will look like without Kim, who missed the 2024 postseason with shoulder surgery. With Kim on the shelf, Bogaerts moved back to shortstop while Jake Cronenworth moved from first base to second base. The Padres will most likely utilize the same double play combination for the 2025 season. Cronenworth has played primarily first base over the past two seasons but is a middle infielder by trade.

Assuming no further moves are made, Manny Machado will reprise his role at third base and Luis Arraez at first base. It's possible that San Diego will acquire a first baseman, which would move Arraez to a full-time designated hitter role, but that seems unlikely. The hope is with more time to prepare, he can better handle the position change. The Padres are looking for a spot to put the three-time batting champion in their lineup.

Other infielders on their 40-man roster include utility infielders Tyler Wade and Eguy Rosario. Wade is a left-handed swinging option while Rosario bats right-handed, giving them some infield coverage. They added Mike Brosseau, a corner infielder, on a minor league deal last month and he'll compete for a roster spot.