As the San Diego Padres head into the 2025 season, one of their most pressing concerns is the shortstop position. With Ha-Seong Kim likely set to exercise his opt-out clause and depart via free agency, the Padres face a key decision on how to fill the void left by the former Gold Glover.
Kim’s decision to hire super-agent Scott Boras signals his intention to seek a significant contract. It’s one that the Padres are unlikely to match. Kim has been a fan favorite in San Diego; the front office must now consider their other options.
Padres Have Shortstop Dilemma Ahead of 2025 Season
Bogaerts, Merrill, Or Tatis?
One possibility for the Padres is to move Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop. Bogaerts, who spent most of his career at short before moving to second base in 2024, was forced to return to his old position when Kim suffered a shoulder injury in August. While Bogaerts showed flashes of his former brilliance, he struggled with consistency. He did several costly errors despite some stellar defensive plays. His fluctuating performance raises the question of whether moving him back to second base would be a better long-term solution.
However, suppose Bogaerts doesn’t return to shortstop. In that case, the Padres have two other internal candidates: Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. Merrill, who had a breakout rookie season playing center field, possesses the athleticism and versatility to shift back to the infield. Merrill originally made his name as a shortstop as a top prospect, and the idea of him returning to his natural position could make sense for the team’s future. Merrill has already expressed willingness to play wherever the team needs him, showing an open mind about a potential move to the infield.
AJ Preller was asked if the team would consider moving Jackson Merrill or Fernando Tatis Jr. back to shortstop next season: pic.twitter.com/v3RK5kgeGk
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 21, 2024
As for Tatis, while he played shortstop earlier in his career, he has since established himself as one of the best defensive outfielders in the league, even winning a Platinum Glove in right field in 2023. Given his performance in the outfield, it seems unlikely that the Padres would ask him to move back. His role in right field has solidified him as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Moving him from that spot could be risky.
The De Vries Factor
Another crucial element in the Padres’ decision-making process is the rapid development of one of their top prospects, Leodalis De Vries. The 18-year-old switch-hitting shortstop has quickly risen through the ranks of the Padres’ farm system. He is projected to be a major contributor to the big league club by 2026 or 2027. De Vries has impressed so far in 2024, his first season in the minors. He has slashed .238/.361/.442 with 11 home runs, 38 RBI, and a .802 OPS. De Vries has drawn rave reviews for his defense and offensive upside. His arrival could be perfectly timed to coincide with the Padres’ championship window. However, it’s clear that De Vries will need more seasoning in the minors. 2025 is a transitional year for the Padres at shortstop.
Top prospect in the business next year pic.twitter.com/AlglNzSCVA
— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) October 13, 2024
External Solutions
If the Padres are unwilling to rely solely on their in-house options, they could explore the free-agent market or trade opportunities. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller has a history of collecting shortstops, and with his penchant for versatility, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pull off a move to bring in another player who can contribute at the position.
One potential option in free agency could be adding a veteran on an affordable deal. Paul DeJong, for example, could be an option – albeit not a very exciting one. Another possibility could be acquiring a shortstop via trade. Preller is known for being aggressive in seeking talent to fill needs. However, the Padres may want to avoid overcommitting resources to a position they expect De Vries to fill in the near future.
Padres’ Questions at Shortstop
The Padres’ shortstop situation in 2025 is a critical piece of the puzzle as they look to build on their recent success and continue contending for a championship. With Kim likely departing, the team has several viable options to replace him. Both from within and potentially through external additions.
Bogaerts, Merrill, and even Tatis offer in-house solutions, though each comes with questions about whether they are the best fit for the position in the long term. The presence of top prospect Leodalis De Vries also looms large, suggesting that the Padres could opt for a short-term stopgap before eventually handing the reins to their young star in the making.
As always, Preller’s creativity and willingness to make bold moves will play a major role in shaping the team’s roster. While losing a player of Kim’s caliber is never easy, the Padres have options at their disposal to ensure they remain competitive in 2025 and beyond.
Main Photo: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
