Bogaerts anticipates smooth ramp-up after memorable run at Classic

PEORIA, Ariz. – After a brief break from Spring Training to represent Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, shortstop Xander Bogaerts was back in camp with the Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex on Friday, turning his focus toward preparing for the long Major League season ahead.

Bogaerts appeared in four games for the Netherlands during the tournament, slashing .333/.412/.400 while playing full games at shortstop.

The Netherlands’ run in Pool D came to an end on Tuesday with a 6-2 loss to Team Israel.

“It was really good. I had a great time with the guys. We didn’t achieve what we wanted, but we played hard for the team. But we’re back here now,” Bogaerts said in Spanish before the Padres' 13-9 Cactus League victory over the Athletics on Friday at Hohokam Stadium.

“[San Diego] is my organization, and I have to prepare here for the regular season, [which] is obviously very long. But with God's favor, everything will be well and we will have a successful season.”

One of Bogaerts’ most memorable moments in the tournament came during the Netherlands’ matchup against Nicaragua at loanDepot park in Miami on March 7.

Trailing 3-1, the Netherlands rallied with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two strikes, Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a single to keep the inning alive before Bogaerts followed with a double to left field.

Moments later, Ozzie Albies ended the game with a walk-off home run, the first in WBC history, giving the Netherlands a 4-3 victory.

“We weren't doing much that game, I remember. Nicaragua was playing pretty good,” Bogaerts said. “I think Rafaela was down to two strikes, so we were missing one more strike … so yeah, that was pretty amazing.”

The tournament also creates a unique dynamic, with teammates sometimes facing each other as opponents.

During the Netherlands’ matchup against the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Bogaerts faced Padres teammates Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, who helped power a 12–1 run-rule victory.

The Dominican Republic were set to face Korea on Friday in the quarterfinals after winning Pool D.

“I got to see them a lot, [and] yeah, those guys are on a special run,” Bogaerts said with a smile. “It's not just one guy, it's like their whole lineup.”

Bogaerts compared the Dominican Republic’s momentum in the tournament to the run the Padres made during the 2024 postseason, when San Diego reached Game 5 of the National League Division Series before falling to the Dodgers.

Still, Bogaerts said representing your country carries a unique meaning, something he has noticed from his teammates.

“Playing for your country, I mean, it's different,” Bogaerts said. “They have a bigger population [and] baseball is probably the No. 1 sport. It means everything for these guys. They're showing up big for the whole country.”

Despite the early exit from the tournament, Bogaerts’ transition back to Padres camp should be smooth.

Manager Craig Stammen said it should not be much of an adjustment since Bogaerts has been playing full nine-inning games. Stammen said the plan is for Bogaerts to resume game action Saturday against the Rangers.

“[The plan is for him] to be a really good player for the San Diego Padres,” Stammen said. “He's been playing full games for Team Netherlands, so he should be pretty built up. Get him back at the complex today and then be in the game tomorrow.”

Over his 13-year career, Bogaerts owns a .287/.350/.446 slash line. Through five Spring Training games, he is 2-for-12 with a .923 fielding percentage at shortstop.

Although the stakes are lower during Spring Training, Bogaerts said the games play a huge role in preparing for the season, even if the intensity feels different.

“It’s just something about the games -- it's just harder because you have nothing to be playing for,” Bogaerts said. “It's just a different [type of] adrenaline … but I feel great.”