“To Get Even Further” – Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Replacement, Shortstop Xander Bogaerts on San Diego Padres’ Season Goals

Last year, after being involved in a PEDs case, the San Diego Padres’ superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. received an 80-game suspension from MLB. While he was still serving the suspension, the Padres went ahead and signed another shortstop in the offseason, two-time World Series champ, Xander Bogaerts.

Prior to signing with the Padres, Bogaerts played only for the Boston Red Sox. After ten years and being a 4x All-Star, Bogaerts entered free agency and signed with the Padres for eleven years at $280 million. And he replaced Tatis Jr. as a shortstop in the Padres’ organization. Now, his first season with the Padres has already begun, the team has won five games, and Bogaerts is set on his and the team’s goals.

What did Xander Bogaerts say about the team’s goals?

Transitioning to the Padres after being in one organization for over a decade was not easy. But Xander did it smoothly and has already become a big part of the team. His goals are set, and he is looking forward to having a great time being a member of the Padres. 

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Most recently, the 2x world champ, and 5x Silver Slugger award winner, Xander Bogaerts, had an interview with Sports Nation. There, he talked about his new team and what lies ahead. During the interview, while talking about the pressure to perform better, Bogaerts said, “I don’t think we feel the pressure, but sometimes it’s actually fun to go out there with a lot of expectations on your back with a lot of people expecting great things of you and your team. Last year, they (Padres) tasted it (bigger expectations of fans). They were so close to it, and this year we have even more expectations to get even further.”

While not taking too much pressure and having fun, Bogaerts is ready to spend the next eleven years being a member of the Padres’ organization.

What are fans saying about Tatis Jr.’s replacement?

Fans are appreciating Xander for saying what he did, taking the fans’ expectations in the right way, and also for being a great professional athlete.

Following are some of the fans’ reactions to Xander’s interview:

Who doesn’t?

Fans are happy for Xander and the recognition that he’s getting at the Friars. They wish him luck for his and the Padres’ future.

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Do you think Bogaerts will succeed at the Padres as he did with the Boston Red Sox? Let us know in the comments below!