Padres fans seeing an improved Xander Bogaerts
Xander Bogaerts has shown significant improvement in the 2026 season after several injury-plagued years with the San Diego Padres. The shortstop, who previously struggled with wrist, shoulder, and leg injuries, is now performing closer to the elite level he displayed with the Boston Red Sox. Padres fans and management are encouraged by his increased bat speed, improved OPS, and stronger defensive play.
- ▪Xander Bogaerts signed an 11-year/$280 million contract with the San Diego Padres in December 2022.
- ▪From 2023 to 2025, Bogaerts was limited by recurring injuries including wrist, shoulder, calf, hamstring, and foot issues.
- ▪In 2023, he posted a .285 average and .790 OPS, followed by a .264 average and .688 OPS in 2024, and a .263 average with a .719 OPS in 2025.
- ▪Bogaerts won five Silver Slugger awards and two World Series titles during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
- ▪Defensively, his arm strength declined due to injury but has shown signs of improvement in 2026.
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