Reports: Padres to sign Xander Bogaerts, could hit $200M payroll

Free agent shortstop Xander Bogaerts agreed to an 11-year, $280 million deal with the San Diego Padres, according to multiple reports. San Diego already possessed a star-studded left side of the infield with third baseman Manny Machado, a former All-Star shortstop, and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who missed the entire 2022 season due to a wrist injury and then an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. He is eligible to return April 20, barring any postponements. One of Machado, Bogaerts or Tatis figures to move to another position or serve as the team's designated hitter. Tatis has crosstrained in the outfield while recovering from injuries in recent seasons. The current payroll in San Diego for the 2023 season is teetering around $150 million, per Spotrac, without the arbitration figures for outfielder Juan Soto, closer Josh Hader and 2022 regulars Jake Croneworth and Trent Grisham. The Padres are likely headed to a 2023 payroll figure over $200 million, per Spotrac, which projects the final payroll for 2023 at $203 million. Bogaerts, 30, is a four-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger winner and a two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox. He has spent all 10 of his major league seasons in Boston, and he garnered votes in American League MVP balloting in each of the past five seasons. This year, Bogaerts batted .307 with a .377 on-base percentage, a .456 slugging percentage, 15 homers and 73 RBIs in 150 games. In 1,264 career games, Bogaerts has a .292/.356/.458 batting line with 156 home runs and 683 RBIs. Bogaerts opted out of a $20 million option year for 2023 with Boston to hit the free agent market this winter. The decision paid off when he landed a deal worth a reported $25.45 million annually for more than decade. The Padres' incumbent shortstop was Ha-Seong Kim, who hit .251/.325/.383 with 11 homers and 59 RBIs in 150 games this year. --Field Level Media