Boston Red Sox: Sign or pass on these 3 key upcoming free agents
Boston Red Sox key free agent No. 1: Xander Bogaerts
Easily the biggest decision the Red Sox will have to make this offseason involves Xander Bogaerts. The front office have put off an extension for Bogaerts for quite some time, and now it’s do or die. Bogaerts isn’t technically a free agent yet, but he’s going to opt out of his current contract, and if he doesn’t get a new deal from the Sox before then, he will hit the open market.
Bogaerts was once again as steady as ever for the Red Sox at shortstop this season (.307 BA, 15 HR, 73 RBI, .833 OPS). His power numbers took a bit of a dip, but as long he’s hitting .300 and playing solid defense in the infield, it doesn’t really matter. Boston’s lineup was very inconsistent this season, with Bogaerts being the one lone source of consistency.
Bogaerts’ one knack throughout his career had been his defense at shortstop, which honestly wasn’t notably bad enough to the point where it failed the eye test. Bogaerts heard the complains, worked on his defense, and ended up being one of the three American League nominees for the Gold Glove award at shortstop this season.
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The front office said shortly after the end of the season that they wanted to do whatever they could to re-sign Bogaerts. Whether they actually mean that or not remains to be seen, but they may have some things working in their favor since Bogaerts likely won’t be the best shortstop on the market if he makes it there. Trea Turner and Carlos Correa both seem set to command huge markets, which could make it easier for the Red Sox to bring Bogaerts back.
Next. Dear Sox owners, go all in or just go away!. dark
FINAL VERDICT: SIGN AT ALL COSTS
Losing Bogaerts would be a bad idea for a front office that already on thin ice heading into this offseason. Bogaerts has spent his entire career in Boston, and he’s remained as productive as ever. A long-term contract for a 30-year old shortstop likely isn’t the best business, but a four or five year deal for Bogaerts doesn’t seem like a horrible idea, and after all, he’s certainly earned it. The Sox would be wise to do whatever it takes to retain Bogaerts this offseason.