Xander Bogaerts is going back to a familiar place. The San Diego Padres star return to the shortstop position for the 2025 MLB season, manager Mike Shildt confirmed during the annual fan fest. The decision comes after Ha-Seong Kim signed with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason.

The San Diego Padres are open to trading Xander Bogaerts alongside a top prospect to an MLB team that is willing to take on Bogaerts hefty 11-year, $280 million contract.

Veteran Xander Bogaerts will return to the shortstop position for the San Diego Padres in 2025, manager Mike Shildt told reporters on Saturday. The announcement of the decision comes days after incumbent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.