San Diego Padres: The dream starting lineup for the 2024 season

5) Xander Bogaerts - SS

The Padres signed Xander Bogaerts to the massive deal they inked him on to help lead San Diego to glory. After a raging hot start to begin his Padres career, Bogaerts slowed down and finished with what many would deem a subpar first season in Southern California.

Bogaerts had just a .790 OPS for the Padres this season and a 120 OPS+. He wasn't bad, but it was his worst offensive season since 2017. As unfortunate as his struggles were as the season progressed, there's every reason to believe that Bogaerts at age 31 is going to bounce back. He's too good of a player not to.

When the Padres were healthy, Bogaerts was hitting fifth. His 74 appearances out of the five-hole were his most out of any spot this past season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him slotted in that role again. When right, he's a player who can hit around or over .300 and also contribute in the power department. He should be driving in a ton of runs in 2024, especially if these four hitting in front of him can stay healthy.

For Bogaerts to have more success in the RBI department in 2024, he's going to have to hit better with runners in scoring position. Bogaerts' .192 average in those spots was pathetic, and a really disappointing part of his game.