Padres' reluctance to name starting shortstop is foolishly delaying the inevitable

Ever since the San Diego Padres first inked Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year contract, it seems they've never been fully sure what to do with him. This is especially applicable to his defensive home, as they had him as their starting shortstop in 2023 but were quick to move him off of the position this past season.

Ha-Seong Kim took over as the Padres' starting shortstop while Bogaerts made a move to second base for the first time in his 12-year career. The move went well and he continued to be above-average when it comes to Outs Above Average. Bogaerts eventually picked up more time at short once Kim went down with a long-term injury.

Now, Kim is gone and the Padres are hesitant to name their 2025 starting shortstop. This is an especially confusing development, because wouldn't the obvious answer be to roll with Bogaerts, whose locked up for the next decade and has proven to be a passable option there in the past?

Padres hesitant to name starting shortstop, but Xander Bogaerts is the move

Unless San Diego is going to bring aboard a new shortstop via free agency or the trade market, Bogaerts is the clear-cut winner of the Padres' starting shortstop sweepstakes. He is head-and-shoulders above other internal candidates such as Eguy Rosario, Mason McCoy and Tyler Wade; plus Fernando Tatis Jr. is no longer a viable option there after taking to the outfield so smoothly.

Bogaerts has never been regarded as a strong defensive shortstop, but he continues to rate highly with his range. His throwing arm is what holds him back the most, but the Padres may be best suited to keep Bogaerts, a true shortstop, at the position and put one of Jake Cronenworth or Luis Arráez at second base. The other option would be to trade one of the latter two and free up the spot for an external candidate, but it's obvious which direction the Padres need to go when it comes to their shortstop in 2025.

If they're not adding to the payroll, they're not getting a premier shortstop candidate (or anyone better than Bogaerts). And if they opt to trade Bogaerts (good luck with that, by the way), which has been swirling in the rumor mill, then why not just name him the starter now to avoid further speculation?