Xander Bogaerts' Contract Viewed as One of Worst in MLB

Just a year after making a splash in free agency, the San Diego Padres signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year $280 million deal, it is being examined even further. It was always a questionable decision, and now it could come back to haunt them.

According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, Bogaerts' contract could become one of the biggest nightmares around the league.

From 2026 to 2033, the Padres will be paying him $25 million a year, as he will be owed $200 million during that time.

"Of the four shortstops who signed nine-figure contracts last offseason, Xander Bogaerts' was the most concerning one, even as the ink was still drying on those deals."

Per Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report

The Bogaerts deal may not seem like a bad one after a productive year from him last season. However, it was arguably his worst season in years. He slashed .285/.350/.440 with 19 home runs, 58 RBIs, 19 stolen bases and a 4.4bWAR. 

The reality is that Bogaerts' production will likely continue trending downward come 2026, as he will be 33 at the start of the season.

To make matters worse, the Padres will not only be paying an aging Bogaerts a lot of money, but they will also be spending a total of $85 million on a 34-year-old Manny Machado and a 28-year-old Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2027. That number will increase to $96 million in 2029, as Tatis Jr. will be owed $36 million a season until 2034.

With the Padres about to head into a period with heavy financial requirements, the clock is ticking on them to find a win to win now.