Padres News: Xander Bogaerts Emerging as San Diego’s Leader Early On

His offseason deal looking to be well worth it.

Even though Xander Bogaerts has proven himself to be amongst the top shortstops in the MLB, there was some doubt heading into the season. Considering he's not exactly on the younger side, some people believed the Padres overpaid for him as a result of losing out on Trea Turner.

Most of the hype was also geared towards the likes of Manny Machado and Juan Soto as fans looked to them as their MVP's of the squad prior to Opening Day. This is understandable considering they are great in their own regards but the scripts have flipped drastically now.

Welcome to San Diego, Xander!

Bogaerts crushes his first @Padres homer. 😤 pic.twitter.com/Wc0f6t0JVe

— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2023

The Padres could very well be 0-3 right now if it wasn't for Bogaerts being the only star to actually get solid production at the plate so far for San Diego. He connected on his first home run in 2023 on Saturday and is slashing .250/.320/.364. Compared to Machado's five hits and Soto's one, Bogaerts has five in 10 plate appearances so far.

Beyond just his play on the field, the star shortstop has been vocal about holding his team accountable and also not being satisfied with his offensive output. He knows that he also is getting paid to lead the infield and he looks to do so in text slate of matches.

"Hopefully I give them something to be excited about going into tomorrow."

Xander Bogaerts discussed his Padres debut and valuing his defense above his offense https://t.co/1AmobFUiO6 pic.twitter.com/lOHGauGJRg

— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) March 31, 2023

"We're sorry for the first tow games how we played, that's not how we're going to play all season," said Bogaerts.

(Via Marty Caswell)

Bogaerts has also been the active leadoff hitter for the Friars as they trust him to get them off to a hot start. Things may change as the stars get back in their groove and Fernando Tatis Jr. returns but their newest addition has proven to be a very important piece so far.