Padres made huge mistake & are paying for it now

MLB playoff races can magnify every mistake, and the San Diego Padres are now dealing with the consequences of a massive long-term commitment to shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The 33-year-old Bogaerts, who turns 34 in October, is in the midst of one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. With seven years and $180 million remaining on his contract, his struggles have become an increasingly significant concern for a Padres team fighting to stay in postseason position. MORE:Top MLB prospect, 20-year-old catching phenom called up late Monday night Bogaerts struggling at the worst time Aug 14, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) throws to first base in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Frustration was already building among Padres fans during the game, prompting social media reactions like the tweet above, and Bogaerts did little to quiet the concerns. He went 0-for-2 at the plate, although he did draw a pair of walks. Following the performance, Bogaerts’ batting average dropped to a career-low .216. His .683 OPS is also the lowest of his career, while his 51 RBI represent his fewest in a season since his rookie campaign, when he played just 18 games. Bogaerts arrived in San Diego with an impressive résumé. A four-time All-Star, he spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Boston Red Sox and helped the franchise win World Series championships in 2013 and 2018. The Padres signed him to an 11-year, $280 million contract in December 2022, making him one of the centerpieces of their long-term plans. Instead, his declining production has made the enormous commitment increasingly difficult to justify. MORE:Red Sox get their stars back & it’s still not enough Padres’ playoff hopes on the line The timing could hardly be worse for San Diego. With only 23 games remaining, the Padres are second in the National League West but trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 9.5 games. Their clearest path to the postseason currently comes through the Wild Card. San Diego holds the third and final Wild Card position, but its margin for error is extremely thin. The Arizona Diamondbacks are only a half-game behind, putting additional pressure on the Padres to start producing wins. San Diego will face the Cincinnati Reds tonight in the rubber match of their three-game series. As the postseason race tightens, the Padres will need contributions throughout their lineup, particularly from a veteran expected to be one of their biggest offensive weapons. Bogaerts still has time to change the narrative, but his disappointing season is becoming increasingly costly for a team that cannot afford many more mistakes. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —