Ian Kinsler is headed to San Diego, but he won't stand in the way of the Padres' youth movement.
Kinsler signed a two-year deal with a club option for the 2021 season, the team announced Thursday. The Athletic first reported last week that Kinsler would make at least $8 million.
Official: The #Padres have signed INF Ian Kinsler to a two-year contract with a club option for the 2021 season 👉 https://t.co/d5cHBg7Nak pic.twitter.com/gqib0EJphJ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) December 20, 2018
The 36-year-old immediately becomes the elder statesman on a youthful Padres team, but don't expect him to be starting at second base on a regular basis. According to The Athletic, Kinsler will see time at both second and third as the team eases Luis Urias into the starting role at second and prepares top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. to take over at shortstop.
For now, even with Kinsler agreement, #Padres still envision Urias as their second baseman, according to a source. Kinsler will play some at third base while also mentoring Urias and Tatis and providing leadership. Kinsler’s career experience at third: Two innings.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 14, 2018
Kinsler began last season with the Angels and ended it in a World Series parade after joining the Red Sox in a July 30 trade. He slashed .240/.301/.380 with 14 home runs in 128 games overall — the worst offensive season of his 13-year MLB career.
The Nationals, Brewers, A's and Tigers also reportedly had some interest in signing Kinsler, according to an MLB Network report last week.
