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In case you weren’t aware, the San Diego Padres are loaded with really good prospects in their farm system. One of their absolute best ones, Fernando Tatis Jr., appears to be slated as the team’s shortstop of the future. However, until he is ready, what the Padres planned to do in the infield was an open question.
Well, now we know a bit more.
Ian Kinsler has agreed with #Padres on 2-year, $8 million contract, source confirms @Ken_Rosenthal report. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 14, 2018
Ian Kinsler was among the absolute best infielders in the game not too long ago, but now it is clear that his career is in its twilight years. That being said, he is still really good as he posted a 2.4 rWAR season in 2018 with a .240/.301/.380 stat line with 14 home runs and a bunch of defensive versatility going along with it.
With Kinsler in the fold, the Padres stated plan is to start Luis Urias at shortstop to start the season with Kinsler seeing time at third and second base. Once Tatis arrives which should presumably will be some time in 2019, Urias will shift to second and Kinsler will see time all over the infield to give guys days off, etc. Given Kinsler’s defensive versatility and overall value, it looks like the Padres got a steal and filled an important role on their roster.