Padres News: Xander Bogaerts Addresses Leaving the Club for a Few Weeks

The new Padres shortstop will be away from the team while representing his home country in the WBC.

The Padres went into the offseason looking to make a massive splash on the free agent market. They were in on Trea Turner, explored the Carlos Correa market, and even had an offer to Aaron Judge before he re-signed with the Yankees. Ultimately, the club picked up shortstop Xander Bogaerts on an 11-year, $280 million deal as part of what would become a monster offseason.

Bogaerts has spent the last few weeks getting acclimated to his new club but is set to depart this week to join Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.

Earlier this week, Bogaerts was asked about how being away from his new club for a few weeks might affect his settling in with all his new teammates.

"I don't think it'll do any harm. It's just going out there and playing for my country and playing in some, I would say, more competitive games. Not saying that these (spring training games) aren't, but I get to play a little bit more innings over there with the Netherlands squad."

Xander Bogaerts is departing Padres spring training for the World Baseball Classic after today's game. Bogaerts will be playing with Team Netherlands.

Bogaerts: "I've been seeing the ball much better than previous springs." pic.twitter.com/nu2NHZJeHN

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 1, 2023

When Does the World Baseball Classic Start?

The WBC kicks off this Tuesday and runs through Tuesday, March 21st. Team Netherlands plays Team Cuba in pool play game 1 at 8 PM PT on FS1.

Bogaerts added that while he's away, he'll be keeping an eye on things in Friars camp.

How Many Padres Are Playing in the WBC?

Nine players from the Padre 40 man roster will be playing in the tournament.

• Manny Machado (3B), Juan Soto (OF), Nelson Cruz (DH), and Luis Garcia (P) are all playing for Team Dominican Republic.
• Yu Darvish (P) is playing for Team Japan.
• Xander Bogaerts (SS) for Team Netherlands.
• Ha-Seong Kim (SS) for Team Korea.
• Nabil Crismatt (P) and Julio Teheran (P) for Team Columbia.
• Brett Sullivan (C) for Team Italy.

Several minor leaguers will also be found on WBC rosters, including Jarryd Dale (INF) for Team Australia, Evan Mendoza (INF) and Ruben Galindo (P) for Team Columbia. Jake Sanchez (P) for Team Mexico, Miguel Cienfuegos (P) for Team Panama, and José Espada (P) for Team Puerto Rico.