Rumors continue to circulate around the idea that the San Diego Padres could consider trading All Star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., but general manager A.J. Preller has pushed back strongly on that narrative, recently reiterating that Tatis remains “untouchable” and is not available in any discussions.
While Tatis appears locked in as a cornerstone of the franchise, the Padres could still explore trades involving other players as they look for ways to reduce payroll. One name that stands out is shortstop Xander Bogaerts, particularly if any of the other 29 MLB teams are willing to assume the significant financial commitment attached to his contract.
“The Padres owe Bogaerts $25 million a year from 2026-33, so that’s eight years and $200 million to go,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote Yesterday. “It’s a huge investment for a player who is already showing signs of decline and is just now getting into his mid-30s.”
Bogaerts’ recent production adds to the complexity of the situation. During the 2025 season, he posted a .263 batting average with a .328 on base percentage and a .391 slugging percentage, finishing with 11 home runs and a .720 OPS across 136 games. Those numbers are a far cry from his peak offensive output, including the 33 home run campaign he delivered for the Boston Red Sox back in 2019, which now feels firmly in the rearview mirror.
Bogaerts’ contract and age complicate matters
For Preller and the Padres’ front office, moving Bogaerts would likely require a creative approach. Convincing another organization to take on the full weight of his deal may be unrealistic without San Diego absorbing part of the cost.
“Trading Bogaerts will require eating money, and while no owner likes to pay a player to play for another team, there is a point at which it’s worth it,” Axisa wrote. “If the Padres pay down, say, $10 million a year to move Bogaerts, that still clears $15 million a year for the next eight years.”
In practical terms, few teams are eager to commit $25 million annually to an aging shortstop whose offensive production and defensive range appear to be trending downward.
“And the more money you eat, the more you can expect in return, too, though I don’t think Bogaerts will fetch a huge return either way,” Axisa added. “The Padres could attach a prospect to Bogaerts to further entice potential trade partners, though the farm system is thin.”
Ultimately, while Tatis remains off limits, Bogaerts represents a difficult but potentially necessary decision as San Diego balances competitiveness with financial flexibility.