Chris Sale comments on Xander Bogaerts contract situation
The 2022 season hasn’t even begun and the Red Sox have still have questions surrounding their roster. One main question fans and the media are asking is what the club will do about Xander Bogaerts?
At the conclusion of the upcoming season, Bogaerts has the option to opt-out of his contract. The All-Star shortstop is fully expected to opt-out and test free agency this coming winter.
Back in March, Boston inked infielder Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million deal. The former Rockies shortstop will play second base for the Red Sox this season. Story provides protection at shortstop if Bogaerts leaves via free agency.
Red Sox ace Chris Sale went on the WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show and talked about his fellow teammate. “I’m just going to say it, we’ve got to keep Bogey. We’ve got to,” said Sale.
“I truly believe the Red Sox will find a way,” added Sale.
Bogaerts seems open to negotiating a new deal with the club. However he doesn’t see a new deal on the horizon as Opening Day approaches.
In an interview with WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Bogaerts commented on his contract situation.
“Is there any chance? I don’t really think so.” Bogaerts would add, “You never know, There can always be surprises.”
With Bogaerts appearance on the Bradfo Podcast, he is telling Chaim Bloom and ownership he wants to be with the club longterm.
“It’s not even fair for the guys in the clubhouse because it’s a lot of distractions and have your teammates thinking about that,” Bogaerts said. “You’re thinking about yourself too much. I wouldn’t believe it’s fun to have this offer during the season and you have to play the next day and it starts going around in the media.”
Despite Bogaerts imposing a deadline to get an extension done by Opening Day, the Red Sox could behind the scenes work on an extension. There is one thing for certain, Bloom and his front office works incredibly quiet. It would surprise no one if the club announces an extension at any point this season.
The longer the Bogaerts situation drags on, it is more likely a deal will not get completed and he could leave in the winter. The fanbase and the clubhouse want to see Bogaerts stay in a Red Sox uniform for years to come. The question remains whether or not Bloom and the Red Sox want to make that happen.
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