Xander Bogaerts Rebounds in September Amid Offensive Struggles

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts is rebounding at the plate during September's playoff push, hitting .314/.415/.371 after enduring a difficult 2026 campaign that saw his average drop to .167 in July. Despite hitting in the No. 8 spot in the lineup during the fourth year of his 11-year, $280 million contract, the 33-year-old continues to provide elite defense, ranking in the 80th percentile or above in Outs Above Average.