An NL rival’s setbacks might open the door for the Braves to make a blockbuster shortstop move.NL
After failing to acquire a real shortstop last offseason and now with Ha-Seong Kim likely to leave in free agency, the Atlanta Braves are in a real pickle. Their biggest need happens to coincide with one of the shallowest areas of the offseason market and the acceptable options are extremely likely to be overpriced. That has led to some strange shortstop solutions to be floated by some experts, but the news that Padres ownership is exploring selling the team could provide a unique solution assuming certain details break the Braves’ way that could actually work.
With around $300 million in debt, San Diego isn’t not in a great position financially to be functional as an organization nor to be sold. The Padres’ game attendance numbers are legitimately great, but their lack of a real TV deal is problematic from a revenue perspective especially for a club that has so many high dollar, long-term deals on their books. One of the “worst” such contracts the Padres would probably like to move is shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
On the surface, Bogaerts’ deal, which runs through 2033 at an AAV north of $25 million does not look like one Atlanta should be signing up for. However, depending on how much of Bogaerts’ contract that the Padres would be willing to cover in order to send him packing in a trade, he could be a really solid option for the Braves this offseason.
Potential sale of Padres could give Braves opportunity to acquire Xander Bogaerts at a reasonable price
Bogaerts is a bit of an odd player that has certainly dealt with some unfortunate injury issues the last couple of years. A dislocated shoulder and broken foot cost him time the last couple of years and his production at the plate since the start of 2024 has left a lot to be desired. Once a perennial 4-5 WAR player, Bogaerts’ .705 OPS combined the last two seasons doesn’t exactly look like a guy that deserves $25+ million a year.
However, that doesn’t mean the Braves would have to pay that. The Padres need to get their debt load down to be more attractive to prospective buyers. While $25 million a year until Bogaerts is 40 years old is too much, something in the $15-18 million a year range could actually work for the Braves depending on what San Diego asks in return. Bogaerts did just post 8 Outs Above Average on defense and while his offense has lagged behind his previous production, his average exit velocity did rebound in 2025 and his hitting approach metrics like his strikeout and chase rates look promising.
Of course, it takes two to tango here. The Padres may want to trade Bogaerts, but their asking price and willingness to eat part of his deal are unknowns that could make any trade a nonstarter. The Braves also may not want to add a questionable shortstop on a long-term deal this offseason until their draft position is known after the lottery given the strength of the shortstop draft class in 2026.
There is also the matter of Bogaerts having a full no-trade clause. However, the Braves are going to be working to remain competitive for the foreseeable future whereas the Padres could tear things down which could influence his decision-making. Bogaerts also has a pre-existing relationship with Braves legend Andruw Jones via the World Baseball Classic and Team Netherlands. As a result, the odds that Bogaerts would veto a trade seems very small.
Ultimately, the feasibility of trading for Bogaerts comes down to total cost. If San Diego is wanting to rid themselves of his contract AND get a big return, that is a hard pass as Bogaerts is anything but a sure thing. However, if the Padres are truly motivated to get a big chunk of money off their books and are reasonable with their trade demands, the Braves would do well to give AJ Preller a call.
This article was originally published on housethathankbuilt.com as NL rival’s troubles could give Braves blockbuster solution to shortstop problem.
