The San Diego Padres are set to welcome back Xander Bogaerts to the shortstop position in 2025, following manager Mike Shildt's recent announcement. This shift comes on the heels of Ha-Seong Kim's departure to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he signed a free-agent contract. Bogaerts, originally brought in as a shortstop before the 2023 season, shifted to second base last year while Kim took over at shortstop.

As Bogaerts transitions back to shortstop, he will look to recapture the form exhibited during his first decade in the league. Despite struggling at the plate last season with a .264 batting average and battling a significant shoulder injury, Bogaerts previously enjoyed a career OPS+ of 117. He was a valuable asset defensively at second base, earning positive metrics from Statcast.

The upcoming season poses additional challenges for the Padres, who aim for a postseason berth for the fourth time in six years but might face cost-cutting pressures amidst an internal ownership struggle following the passing of owner Peter Seidler.

The Boston Red Sox are making a concerted effort to change their approach to player development and contract negotiations. Critics have pointed to past missteps with homegrown talents like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, prompting a shift in strategy.

Recently, the organization extended Rafael Devers with a massive 10-year, $313.5 million deal, signaling their intent to retain core players. They also locked in contract extensions for promising talents like Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela, while engaging in talks with Garrett Crochet about a potential deal.

Moreover, the Red Sox are exploring extensions for their top prospects, including Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, even before they reach the majors. Anthony expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, stating that while these discussions haven't occurred yet, he would love to remain with the Red Sox, the team he has grown to admire.

Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki is on the verge of making a significant decision as he narrows his choices to three Major League Baseball teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. While both the Dodgers and Padres have been heavily involved in pursuing Sasaki, the Blue Jays are a surprising contender, having not engaged with him prior to the New Year.

With the opening of MLB's international signing period, Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe are expected to make a choice soon, although they may utilize the full posting window that closes on January 23. Financial considerations for Sasaki extend beyond contracts, as marketing opportunities in major markets are also crucial.

Ha-Seong Kim has emerged as a sought-after player this offseason, drawing interest from multiple teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants. However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggests a surprising return to the San Diego Padres, emphasizing that they would benefit greatly from retaining Kim as their shortstop while utilizing Xander Bogaerts at second base.

During his tenure with the Padres, Kim has established himself as a reliable player, boasting a .242/.326/.380 batting line over nearly 2,000 plate appearances. While his offensive numbers are commendable, it is his defensive skills that have earned him accolades, including a Gold Glove in 2023. After transitioning from second base to shortstop ahead of the 2024 season, his defensive prowess will continue to be a significant asset for whichever team he plays for.

As Major League Baseball contracts continue to rise, projections for the future reveal potential nightmares for several high-profile players. Looking ahead to 2027, a list of ten players is highlighted for their hefty contracts that may not age well based on their current performance trends and injury histories.

Leading the list is Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who has shown a decline in offensive metrics since signing his lucrative contract. Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies follows, with concerns about his ability to maintain innings and effectiveness as he ages. Meanwhile, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, despite his Hall of Fame credentials, has struggled with injuries, raising doubts about his future performance.

Other notable players include Willy Adames of the San Francisco Giants, who faces questions about his power in the challenging Oracle Park, and Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers, whose injury history could jeopardize his productivity. Xander Bogaerts of the San Diego Padres is also on the list, as his offensive numbers have dipped since moving from Fenway Park to a less favorable hitting environment.

Max Fried of the New York Yankees has shown promise but comes with injury risks, while Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies has had an underwhelming start to his massive deal. Aaron Judge, despite recent success, faces challenges as he ages, and Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres is grappling with injuries and declining performance metrics. All these contracts raise eyebrows and could become burdensome for their respective teams.