Even Scott Boras was surprised when, late last month, A.J. Preller called him to ask about Xander Bogaerts. “We have to do a better job of understanding how A.J. thinks.' dennistlin details the unlikely deal that landed Bogaerts with the Padres:
Some 16 hours later, Bogaerts said yes to the longest deal ever for a player past his 20s. Bogaerts will receive a $5 million signing bonus, earn $25 million a year through his age-40 season and potentially spend the rest of his career as a Padre. He has no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause.
Thirteen years later, Bogaerts is a four-time All-Star, a five-time Silver Slugger and a lead-by-example type who teammates and coaches say would fit in any clubhouse. Preller, meanwhile, has not changed in at least one respect.By signing Bogaerts to the seventh-largest free-agent contract ever, the GM again demonstrated his affinity for collecting versatile elite athletes and worrying about how all the pieces fit later.
For now, the Padres will have a new general directing the middle of their infield. Whatever they might slightly sacrifice in defense, they could make up for in terms of a newcomer’s comfort level. Bogaerts has not played a position other than shortstop since 2014. Bogaerts’ age, while a reason for performance-related concern, comes with certain benefits. He already has helped anchor one of the most historically successful and scrutinized franchises in baseball, including off the field. Bogaerts, one of six Aruban-born players in major-league history, speaks four languages, including Spanish. He has been, by all accounts, a consummate teammate throughout his career. He describes himself as “baseball-struck,” and those who know him attest to his obsession.
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