The Boston Red Sox have lost shortstop Xander Bogaerts, as he agreed to a massive contract with the San Diego Padres.
The Boston Red Sox fanbase feared that shortstop Xander Bogaert wouldn’t return after he entered free agency this winter. The two sides tried negotiating a new deal this past year, but to no avail. Now, Red Sox fans’ worst nightmare has now become a reality.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Bogaerts has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres on an 11-year, $280 million contract early Thursday morning (Eastern Standard Time).
Xander Bogaerts contract: Padres snipe SS from Red Sox
It’s not entirely shocking that the Padres managed to secure Bogaerts. Not only were they one of six teams talking to him Wednesday, per Heyman, but they were adamant on signing a big-name free agent.
The Padres were in on shortstop Trea Turner, even offering him a $342 million contract. But, Turner agreed to an 11-year, $300 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Then, they were the surprise team in on outfielder Aaron Judge, reportedly offering him a 10-year, $400 million deal. But, Judge decided to re-sign with the New York Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million contract.
Now, the Padres were able to add Bogaerts on the final day of the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.
This news has to sting for the Red Sox fan, as Heyman reported earlier on Wednesday that Bogaerts was in “heavy discussions” with the team. Ultimately, the Red Sox were unable to match the massive deal that the Padres threw Bogaerts’ way.
This past season, Bogaerts recorded a .307 batting average, .377 on-base percentage, a .456 slugging percentage, 15 home runs, 73 RBI, 84 runs scored, and 171 hits.
The Padres have now added to their already star-studded lineup with Bogaerts, who will team up with Manny Machado on the left side of the infield. As for the Red Sox, do they pivot to bring in another shortstop? Or do they move Trevor Story back to shortstop? It’s a question that they’ll have to answer now that Bogaerts is no longer in Boston.