Such varied teams as the Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Twins, Orioles, Phillies, and Cubs have all been linked to Xander Bogaerts so far this winter, and the list of suitors could stretch even further beyond these teams. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that between eight and 11 teams have shown interest in Bogaerts, and yet the Red Sox weren’t “positioned in that group as of Sunday afternoon.” According to two sources, Bogaerts’ former team hasn’t yet made “a competitive offer” to re-sign.
This relative lack of interest on Boston’s part is perhaps a little surprising, given how chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom has said on multiple occasions that retaining Bogaerts is one of the team’s top priorities. However, as Abraham notes, there has been plenty of indications that the Red Sox haven’t been entirely committed to keeping the All-Star, ranging from their lowball extension offer last spring to the team’s signing of Trevor Story last offseason as a seemingly backup plan for shortstop if Bogaerts departed.
While a front office can obviously work on multiple things at the same time, it is perhaps also telling that the Sox have largely been focused on other roster areas thus far in the offseason. The Red Sox made a big push to sign Jose Abreu before Abreu landed in Houston, and are among the many teams interested in Mitch Haniger. Boston is also exploring a wide range of pitching options for the rotation and bullpen, and the Sox have already made two notable additions in relievers Chris Martin and Joely Rodriguez. This isn’t to say that the Red Sox couldn’t make an offer to Bogaerts at any time, but it would seemingly have to be a very substantial offer to outpace the several other teams who have shown a lot more direct interest.
There hasn’t been much indication that the Sox could pivot to one of the other star free agent shortstops (Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, or Dansby Swanson) rather than Bogaerts, and the team might just use some combination of Story, Enrique Hernandez, Christian Arroyo, Jeter Downs, and the newly-acquired Hoy Park to handle the two middle infield positions. Long-term, Marcelo Mayer is Boston’s shortstop of the future, and prospect Ceddanne Rafaela could also be a factor at shortstop or other positions after a breakout 2022 season at high-A and Double-A ball.
Bogaerts rejected Boston’s qualifying offer, and since the Red Sox exceeded the luxury tax in 2022, their compensatory pick (if Bogaerts signed elsewhere) would fall only after the fourth round of the 2023 draft. It wouldn’t make for much of a consolation prize for one of the best players in recent franchise history, especially since exceeding the tax threshold didn’t even result in a winning record for the 2022 Red Sox.
I’m sure he’ll get what he’s after if it’s not the RSox, maybe Giants, although I’d prefer Turner
This looks like click bait. No real info. What is the Red Sox latest offer? What is Bogaerts asking? Most importantly, what is a competitive offer? Everyone will have a different opinion about what a competitive offer is.
Yeah, I tend to not read too much into these posts. I believe RS will be offering him something soon
Balk – So you’re saying Bloom is pulling a George Steinbrenner, waiting for all the other teams to make their best offers, and then top whatever the highest offer is? Yeah I don’t think so ….
Fever…I have zero clue on what’s happening with FO, I’m sure you don’t either. Just like I don’t know what’s happening with not hearing about an offer from the Giants regarding Judge. Some teams just keep it close, and that’s why I stated I don’t read to much into these types of posts. You get me? Ha
Fever, you just described what I think the Yanks will do…They probably already said to him “Even if the pen is in your hand and you are about to sign elsewhere, call us first, and allow us to top it and then some.”
Balk – I get what you’re saying, but sometimes you CAN figure out what a FO is doing.
And keep in mind plans change, it’s very fluid. Like I fully believe the Sox planned to have Story move to SS, but now with his arm issues that plan probably has changed.
Trumbo – I completely agree, and Judge would be wise to do that.
I can see the Yankees overpaying for a Yankee legend and icon.
I cannot see the Red Sox overpaying for Xander.
Fever…I get it…and to be honest, you’re right, sometimes the writing is on the wall with FO. I’m just a fan of baseball, with a little bias towards the Giants, so I don’t follow the RS to deep, to be honest I had him picked to head back to RS. Who knows.
Balk – All good. Who knows, maybe Bloom’s other plans don’t work out and he’s forced to overpay for Xander. With all the holes to be filled and payroll flexibility, money will have to be spent eventually if they want to prevent a massive drop in revenue.
suit – I’m with you … Abraham is a hack, but if he says the Red Sox aren’t one of the eleven teams showing interest then he’s probably correct. Because you know who the owner of his employer is, right? No chance he would write something like that if it weren’t true.
Now can someone PLEASE tell Mark to add nt in front of “been entirely committed to keeping the All-Star”.
It’s amazing how just 2 letters can totally change the meaning of a paragraph. LOL
Fever: Actually, it’s very suspect to report that between 8 and 11 teams have shown interest in Bogaerts. Are 3 teams interested or not? Apparently, he doesn’t know. Very strange. Since Bogaerts has never said he is willing to eventually move from shortstop, I don’t really want him back for the long, expensive deal I’m sure he and Boras are currently seeking. I’m guessing the number of years is the sticking point, not yearly salary.
Suit, he said last fall/early winter that he’s willing to move off short eventually. Of course that was before bloom’s asinine one year extension offer.
VT: Thanks. Where did you see that? If you or someone else can post a quote from Bogaerts saying he is willing to move off shortstop with a link, I would appreciate it. I don’t see any quotes on the internet indicating that.
it’s very suspect to report that between 8 and 11 teams have shown interest in Bogaerts.
======================================
There aren’t that many teams with both the need and the money for Bogaerts. While any team can make different decisions, my take is:
BOS
MIN
LAA
ATL
PHI
Cubs
LAD
SFG
AZ
And two of those teams will be signing Correa & Turner. I wouldn’t put any money on the table until I saw what I had to do, One of the things that Cashman does okay with is not being an active bidder. When you have more money, you wait for them to come to you.
Except then you run the risk the NYM did with DeGrom. Not saying they would, or even should, have countered the TEX offer, but, they didn’t even get the courtesy.
Happened to BOS too about 10-15 years back a few times. I’m thinking Papelbon, seems like ells/Damon as well maybe? Without looking back first I can’t say for sure, other than I recall it happening.
You don’t always get a chance if you wait too long.
Suit, This isn’t where I first saw it but it refers to it here:
“Bogaerts has said he would be open to a position switch down the line, according to ESPN’s Joon Lee.”
bdc2020.o0bc.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2021/11/04/…
“According to sources close to Bogaerts, the shortstop currently plans on opting out of the contract after 2022, but hopes to remain in Boston and finish his career with the Red Sox. The three-time All-Star shortstop is also open to moving to second or third base down the road.”
bostonsportswave.com/2021/10/25/xander-bogaerts-pl…
VT: Thanks. That article cites an article from ESPN’s Joon Lee from a year ago (Oct 2021) with no quote from Bogaerts or anyone on the Red Sox. That Joon Lee article is the only thing I can find on the internet saying that Bogaerts is willing to move off shortstop. I guess I’m a little underwhelmed by what we are both finding.
VT: I see you added a second article. The both articles cite this Joon Lee article:
espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32473690/boston-red-sox-ev…
With one source (Joon Lee) and no quote from anyone, it is hard for me to believe.
suit – Sounds like 8 teams are seriously interested, and 3 teams are mildly interested. At least that’s how I would interpret it.
As I said before, the Sox will definitely not keep both Xander and Devers longterm. Not with Story locked in for another 5 years and Mayer likely arriving in 2024.
vt – That extension offer was such an insult … 4 yrs/$90M? To a guy who has been an exceptional role model, a stellar performer, and has been with the organization for 13 years? What a disgusting way to treat him.
I mean if Bloom didn’t have any real interest in extending him, at least make him an offer that’s in the ballpark to what he’s worth.
Fever Pitch- just want to say I enjoy reading your posts and I appreciate your passion as a fan. Red Sox are not my team, but as a baseball fan in general, I think having a competitive and robust team in Boston is good for baseball in general and Red Sox fans deserve a great Red Sox team. So your exuberance is nice to see +!!!
Padres have met with him twice according to articles on this site. So at least one more team to add to your list.
Except Cashman made a very public offer to Judge.
That’s what Bogaerts says, but in all honestly, he declined when we started him at 3b.
Fever- the “extension” offer was even worse than reported.
The Original 2019 deal called for 20m/yr through 2025 PLUS a 2026 vesting option of $20m if Bogey had a bit over 500PA in the 25 season.
When bloom offered $30m/1yr added on it replaced the option in 26 which, barring injury or manipulation, was all but certain.
So, it wasn’t a 4/90 offer, it was just offering to exercise the option and add $10m
If it’s click bait, it sure worked on you like a charm. Any story that makes Boston fans go ape is of some entertainment value. Not that it takes much.
BlueSkies_LA;
A group of yentas.
Ha. Yeah that’s the perfect word. Kvetchers works too.
Blue – We are a passionate fanbase. I know it’s very different from the laid back LA fanbase, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing … just very different.
That’s the other funny thing about Boston fans, they think they are the only ones with real passion.
Why? We need to stop pretending it’s a possibility he’ll return to the Sox. The ship didn’t sail, it was never going to.
Fk bloom ! Numbers one priority my Ass
agreed. ever since Bloom has come on board, his words and actions have not been aligned. I am starting to believe they never had any interest in re-signing Bogaerts.
Stop complaining about Bloom. He’s simply following orders. Maybe if corporations stop renewing season tickets and cancel advertising on NESN, he’ll realize putting a competitive team on the field is important in EVERY market during a recession like time period. Winning in 21 may have hurt us fans. I know I stopped watching last year and started following the team on the MLB app, seeing highlights a couple of innings after they occurred.
dewey – Why would you stop watching last year when they made their run to the ALCS? You missed some very exciting games.
S-man – If you had been reading my posts for the past year, you would have known a year ago they wouldn’t be keeping Xander. LOL
1) Bloom didn’t extend Xander’s contract before last winter’s group of star shortstops raised the market rate considerably.
2) Bloom opened up his dusty purse to give a GG-caliber shortstop $140M.
3) Bloom insulted Xander by offering to convert his contract to 4/$90M and never made another offer.
4) Bloom hasn’t made any effort to show Xander he’s wanted, no offseason meetings … nothing.
5) Bloom tells everyone Abreu, not Xander, is his top free agent priority.
Hello …. anybody home? Hey think, McFly, think.
I’ve been thinking, and, I wonder if there isn’t a serious shift organizationally as Larry Lucchino stepped away.
Remember, Dombrowski was hired in the summer before Larry stepped down as CEO and Kennedy stepped up. So that cake was baked and DD had his contract in place. Even the dysfunction that’s come to pass wouldn’t show them firing DD before the ink was even dry.
Also, I don’t recall there being as much focus on upgrades in and around the ballpark since Larry stepped back either. Remember he’s the guy who pushed in SD and BAL for smaller ballparks keeping old-tyme charm. Maybe current ownership isn’t as interested there either.
So the question becomes, how much of the 2018-down teams and series of moves were Larry’s influence?
GA – Man I am so happy to see you writing that, because I’ve been pointing out for years how Larry was a huge part of the team’s success from 2003-2013.
I know there are some who have always disliked Lucky because of the riff between him and Theo. What they don’t realize is Lucky made Theo. He took Theo under his wing, mentored him, and made a lot of decisions while Theo was still learning the ropes as GM.
Then suddenly the unappreciative Theo turned on Lucky because he wanted full autonomy, not cool.
Fever- I’ve just been musing over off and on what explains the total change in direction especially if you try to believe any of the quotes from ownership.
I don’t buy the saving up for Pittsburgh and cutting costs theme. If they can buy a soccer club they can buy a cheaper NHL team, and, you didn’t see this type of behavior then.
I don’t buy covid losses either. I think Boston saved more money from the unplayed games than the covid losses cost, especially when revenue sharing was suspended. Or, at least, it didn’t hurt the bottom line so much as to impact everything else.
But, I think, Larry always was a baseball guy. Not a nascar/mlb/soccer/NHL empire junkie. And, I feel like he steered things a certain way when he was around more and because, for whatever reason, he lost the sway he had his consolation prize was to handle the woosox relocation/stadium/etc with a more direct hand. Maybe.
It’s as good a reason as any why things have gone so far afield.
GA – I agree Larry is a baseball guy, but he’s also good at building things … he was instrumental in the building of Oriole Park and Petco Park, along with the renovation of Fenway.
As for what happened with our Sox, 2019 will forever be known as the turning point. Henry was furious that he had the highest payroll in MLB and didn’t even make the postseason. That’s when he decided to cut spending substantially, and the rest is history.
“I am starting to believe they never had any interest in re-signing Bogaerts.”
S_man_2014;
Really? Wow!
The next thing you’ll tell us is that teams don’t build sustainable contenders via free agency.
Bloom is the worst they’ve had since the days of Haywood Sullivan. He’s driving them right into oblivion. And don’t listen to the “It’s not Bloom, it’s the ownership” cries. Yeah, ownership profits tens, maybe hundreds, of millions. Spends freely for 20 years and then says “We won’t spend anymore. This is all Bloom’s fault. Get used to a flow of 69-93 seasons, Boston.
Haywood yabuzzoff Sullivan? The man who lost Carlton Fisk? NO. Much worse than Bloom.
The man who lost Fisk vs the man who TRADED away generational talent Betts, low-balled and insulted homegrown star Bogey, and, has COMPLETELY ignored homegrown star Devers who now will cost an overpay to keep in town, if at all, while blowing up a WS caliber team to pile up low level far from mlb ready prospects?
Hmm…. ya know? I’m thinking by the time the dust settles the second guy will look worse.
hayzee – Most people don’t realize, Freddie’s contract was mailed two days late also. He would have also been declared a free agent, but the Sox quickly traded him before the ruling. And of course they got garbage in return for him – one or two seasons of Rudi, Tanana and Dorsey.
Blah blah blah
Just following orders as ownership has taken the profits and reinvested elsewhere. Bloom has done fine with the farm but it needs to be a balancing act. 18 bought a few years but the pandemic changed things. 21 then was a short term favorable surprise but hurts fans long term. Ownership needs to understand the fans expect results in a market like this. Duck boat parades are what it’s all about but last place so often? Not any more. Too many external aches in life today. Sox fans expect to be able to escape reality in tough times like today and instead they put a product on the field that just makes it worse.
It was Lynn AND Burleson but the returns were at least MLB talent showing the team was trying to win even after that fiasco. Carney Lansford was great and if you’ve lost Fisk, why not bring back his brother in-law, Rick Miller? What made the trades horrible was Rudi and Tanana shot by then. Too bad Kuhn voided the 76 deals with Finley and Tommy John surgery wasn’t developed then.
dewey – Rooster was a straight-up trade with Butch, had nothing to do with his contract.
I still remember Miller’s 4 doubles in one game.
Good trivia question, in 1982 the Red Sox had three reigning batting champions on their roster at the same time. And all three played 3B.
To his credit, he traded Betts because Betts didn’t want to play in Boston. Betts said he was waiting to test the market, got traded, then inked a deal with L.A. Capping it off, he referred to Boston as ‘racist’. The Sox are better off without him.
Story slides into SS and they pickup Segura for two years to cover 2B
I can see this
Story plays two weeks in Fort Meyers and blows out his elbow. Why chance it when he was the best defensive second baseman last year when he was on the field? Without the shift, he can be even better this year.
I’m a Red Sox fan, but if this is true, why didn’t he win the gold glove?
Because he was hurt during the 2nd half of the season
I don’t know if was the best or not I haven’t seen the oaa numbers but I do know that gold glove voting is a complete joke so that’s part of the reason.
Bass – Did you read what dewey wrote? Story was the best defensive second baseman for the Red Sox when he was on the field. That’s because he was the ONLY second baseman when he was on the field … you can’t have two second basemen playing the field at the same time!
Schoop was better. Oh, wait. He didn’t win it either because he didn’t hit enough to win a golf glove.
Don’t you think there was a little correlation with Bogie playing the best SS since he played with a healthy Pedie? Story is fast and solid but health has always been an issue. Moving him have to make longer throws makes no sense.
Because Gold Glove is not about defense. Every year more than half the winners were not even close to the best defensive player at their position.
I stopped considering it a legitimate award when Palmiero won it after playing only 17 games at 1B.
In OAA, Story was third at 10, 17 OAA behind Schoop. In DRS he was 7th at +6. Brendan Rodgers was 1st at +22. Andres Gimenez ranked 2nd in both OAA and DRS
when did the red sox become a small market team?
When Henry & Co set their sights on soccer and other entertainment options.
John Henry and Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool FC in 2010. They’ve won 2 World Series in Boston since then.
king – Dewey said soccer and OTHER ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS.
They set their sights on the Penguins 3 years ago.
Guess when the Red Sox started reeling in the payroll.
Fever, I think many factors fit in including COVID related unexpected losses. They now refuse to stop worrying about the taxes because their bottom line is no longer basically the Sox, NESN and the Globe.
Reeling in the payroll by going over the CBT limit in 2022? That’s not reeling in the payroll.
Don’t forget Liverpool is up for same and I’d bet my bottom dollar he wants in on the NFL Commanders
When they hired Chaim Bloom. The man just can’t let go of his poverty mindset. I don’t follow BOS super closely, but whatever the game plan might be, it’s not apparent by their transactions. When they brought JBJ back last year I said to myself, “Winning is not the priority here, and I can’t identify the true goal with moves like this.”
solaris602;
How many GM’s has John Henry fired?
Do you really think that a MLB franchise owner – or ownership group – knows nothing about what goes on in negotiations for players seeking hundred million dollar contracts?
Do you really think that a team GM / POBO doesn’t get direction from the ownership group?
chiefivey2 hours ago
when did the red sox become a small market team?
=========================================
They didn’t. In fact, their budget for the past 20 years has been almost identical in structure. They spend to the limit, or slightly more, In fact, after 200, excepting the Covid year, we have been between 1st and 6th in spending, and averaging #3.
Yes Joe;
Red Sox were 6th in MLB team spending in 2022 @ $225m.
The finished last in their division. Only the Yankees outspent them.
Another thing Joe…..
I assume (as most MLB people do) that Bogaerts will be playing elsewhere in 2023. And there’s a chance that Devers will be traded
as well.
Wouldn’t it be hilarious if the Red Sox finished 2023 with a better record with one or both of them gone?
Has he got any “uncompetitive” offers from them though?
Venti Carmel machiato with sweet cream foam and they even splurged for an extra shot Trumbo.
Well Coop, I’ve certainly heard worse offers…Although, someone on the Alacantra thread earlier mentioned a lifetime supply of Kielbasa as a way of luring him away from Miami…So, if they are serious, they could atleast consider a few dozen of those cake pops and about 100 of their yummy sausage breakfast sandwiches to sweeten the deal a bit…Pull out all the stops!
yeah, I did see that Trumbo. I’ve been hungry ever since!! Mmm
…sausages…
The Boston FO is so full of crap. They always think the fans will far for the b.s. propaganda.
They could have been upfront and honest about this and most fans would have been just fine with it.
When will they learn?
DBH – I believe Guns N’ Roses explained it well when they made their song about the Red Sox …. it’s called “Double Talkin’ Jive”.
LOL. I guess I’m old enough to remember Bee Gee’s Jive Talkin
DBH – Ha, I forgot about that one … my favorite off the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack!
bloom is in over his head
No he’s not. Ownership asked him to develop the farm and in two years, fruit will be ripe to pick. If he’s still the GM, a lot will be learned if he sells or trades off his talent before they become expensive. That hasn’t happened so far. He took over a team with an expensive payroll with orders to get under the tax and to develop the farm. 21 was exciting but us fans expect to compete every season.
If that was REALLY the #1 priority Dewey, he should be fired for gross negligence.
He picked up garbage at the deadline staying 4m over CBT and wasted the draft picks on the eovaldi and Bogey comp picks. He gets basically 2 4th rounders instead of a pair of 2nds and 5ths. That’s a problem right there.
Worse, he should’ve traded JDM, Bogey, Nate, etc to begin with IF that was what mattered.
I don’t buy it. It’s a guy without a blueprint making it up as he goes, and, putting a poor quality product on the field in the process.
Well said GASoxFan!
“It’s a guy without a blueprint making it up as he goes…..”
GASoxFan;
No, it’s disgruntled Red Sox fans like you on here that do that.
Bloom turns left. You kids attack him for not turning right.
Bloom does hot. You kids say cold.
Bloom says black. You kids say white.
Bloom stands up. You kids want him to sit down.
It’s past being funny. It tiring for readers.
Mr. Bloom did not rise in a successful MLB organization and get this job because he has no clue about how to build a sustainable MLB contending team.
All you kids got is spend spend spend spend….then spend some more…..and then you don’t like Dave Dombrowski…..because he spent too much.
@Samuel –
“Bloom turns left. You kids attack him for not turning right.”
– you leave out the ‘no left turn sign’ in the one way road intersection, but sure.
“Bloom does hot. You kids say cold.”
– I mean, who serves 140* black coffee to a crowd in an unshaved field, full sun, when it’s 110* out with 90% humidity? Bloom, that’s who.
“Bloom says black, You kids say white.”
– Sure, he’s repainting the fender on a white car. But. Again, Bloom does bloom. Maybe you like the mismatch as character.
“Bloom stand up. You kids want him to sit down”
– I’d almost give him a pass for the, you know, being Jewish thing, but, even a gentile is expected to wear the Yamaha at a temple during a funeral. All we ask is he kneel during mass in a likewise funeral at the cathedral, but, no criticism against him is allowed by the apologists.
Those are the types of situation we criticize what he does in. Justifiable criticisms at that, unlike his road map he follows which is really just a 15 year old Garmin with a broken screen that doesn’t turn on, he just thinks it talks to him.
I agree with GA Sox Fan!
This sums it up!
I worried about him when he traded the franchise cornerstone for someone named JETER!
And none of his actions since then has changed my view of him.
Bloom is horrendous
You don’t think ownership had input in those decisions? They likely dreamed of an August push that would keep fannies in seats and eyes glued to the screen. It is on him if it was his decision not to trade JDM just to be under the cap at the end of 22. I thought despite what others said, it was because he was trying to keep as much of the team together for 23. How though do you trade Vasquez but keep JDM and be marginally over the cap?
Ownership did not require him to stay under the cap but to spend wisely. I’d say so far he hasn’t spent wisely especially considering he went over the cap this year for no apparent reason.
vtbaseball;
Feel better?
How do you know what ownership told him to do? Do you think ownership has been monitoring hat he’s done the past few years?
Hey Samuel.
Relax….breathe….meditate 🙂
Why be so hard on us for having an opinion. Im 58 years old and not a “kid” so why make such general statements?
I would 100% support Bloom if I could make any sense of his moves but myself, fangraphs, MLB Trade rumors and many other commentators a lot more knowledgeable than me are also scratching their heads.
Quite simply….Bloom is not doing the right thing by Boston.
His drafting seems exceptional (I try to be objective in my posts; we’ll know in the coming seasons). The Betts trade was in large part compromised by getting the Dodgers to take Price at half salary. I still like Verdugo. You never know about trades and let’s see at the end. So far the Dodgers won only in a BS short season with Betts.
Samuel:
I feel great! Thanks for asking and for your concern!
John Henry to Dan Shaughnessy:
“I think every team probably wants to reset at least once every three years — that’s sort of been the history — but just this week…I reminded baseball ops that we are focused on competitiveness over the next 5 years over and above resetting to which they said, ‘That’s exactly how we’ve been approaching it.’ ”
That’s how I know. Straight from the horse’s mouth.
Amen, Trot. I agree with what you’re saying. And I’m not a kid either.
Trot – Well said! And absolutely Bloom made a major screwup by going so little over this year’s threshold.
Morons
The owners have final say on contract not Bloom
brinx – John Henry would need to approve a contract proposed by Bloom, but if there’s no proposed contract by Bloom, then Henry doesn’t get involved … unless he feels strongly about retaining a player. Even then, I don’t think Henry would force Bloom to acquire a player that Bloom doesn’t want to acquire.
Bloom is following John Henry’s direction perfectly.
I’m guessing John Henry’s top direction is, “Don’t waste my damn money!”
If you’re going to finish last, cut 60 million out of the payroll to offset the loss in revenue.
Of course, we’ll never know for certain, but perhaps there is an understanding that Bogaerts will get his offers, and give the sox a chance to beat said offer. Otherwise, they could wind up bidding against themselves.
Bobby – That’s what I said earlier upthread. LOL
Of course it’s possible and for fans to continue to trust ownership, it better be the case. I don’t want Bogie and Devers to be in their current positions in 24 but I want both still starring in Boston.
Otherwise, they could wind up bidding against themselves.
==================================
Exactly what I said.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but the more intent you are on signing a guy, the less bidding you should do, With a guy like Martin, if you are only semi-interested, maybe you make a decent offer, and not care if he accepts.
If you truly want to re-sign Bogaerts, there is nothing to be gained from constantly trying to out-bid everyone. IMO, I don’t think Bogaerts will leave if we match the best offer, or even come within a few million of it.
Isn’t that what Mets fans were saying right up to the time deGrom signed with the Rangers without giving the Mets a chance to match.
Notice what the Yankees did with Judge. Here is a huge public offer. Go see what others offer then come back and give us a chance to match it.
Is that direction to drive away fan attention and following in RSN so he can build a new ballpark with public money on relatively cheap suburban land, then, tear down fenway to develop the Henry Towers mixed use development on the valuable Fens land?
Never happen. The State of MA will landmark Fenway preventing it from being torn down.
It was a smart-alec statement of hyperbole, but, it DOES fit with the general direction of things lately.
Here comes the Cubs offer
Where’s the Cub’s offer?
Here comes the cubs offer.
Where’s the Cub’s offer?
You understand this story is leaked from an agent for the exact reaction you see in the chat…..oh, and Agents arent necessarily deemed a source of truth.
It’s pretty clear that the Sox and Bogaerts differ on what his market value is so they’re not about to try and set that market value. They’ll wait and see what other teams offer and then decide if they’re willing or not to match that.
Good Grief! An intelligent rational comment as to what is most likely happening amidst all of the vitriol, stupidity and ignorance.
If they get a chance to match. Look at what happened to the Mets with deGrom
I, for one, refuse to watch the Red Sox battle Pittsburgh and Oakland for the worst record in the majors. Vazquez screwed leads to Bogaerts screwed leads to Devers leaving. Someone want to tell me how they get better. Not just Bloom needs to go, but the ownership needs to sell if they don’t give a damn about fielding a competitive team.
Pittsburgh made too many moves to contend for last again. Boston definitely has some work to do if they expect to contend and with their payroll capabilities they should contend every year.
“Vazquez screwed”. Im pretty sure McGuire beat out Vazquez in almost every statistical category, including defense. McGuire is an upgrade
“Bogaerts screwed” The bidding keeps going up. Do you have no limit to the price youd pay? Because I think there’s better ways to spend 220M to improve your team, than using it all to sign a SS until he’s 38yo.
“Devers screwed” Did I miss something? Red Sox are currently negotiating with him. Slow your roll.
At what point does the ownership actually pivot away from this direction? There’s no real financial restraints, a respectable farm system and Major League roster with 1 long term asset. When you watch what the braves have accomplished with long term roster construction it should serve a template but they have made every mistake possible now to make that happen.
G.M. Ima Scapegoat;
Amazing logic.
LOL
Not sure what Red Sox thinking. No appreciation for who the heart of the team is and just analytics
jersey – Bloom deciding to let Xander walk because of analytics has crossed my mind more than once.
If Bloom was running the team in the late 70’s, Yaz would have finished his career elsewhere.
Boras advertisement.
Cubs supposedly will present a formal offer to X any time now per twitter
They should’ve never fired Dombrowski. Bloom is Ben Cherington 2.0
That Sale extension should have gotten anyone fired if it was a dd call.
That Price contract should have gotten anyone fired
It would be cool if Bloom can win a World Series like Cherrington.
Ben Cherington got us 2013, bad comparison
pedey – You beat me to it.
Toronto and Pittsburgh were are very pleased with Ben. Likewise Philadelphia with Dave. Might be Boston ownership that you have a problem with.
Could be a little to late, Bogaerts may want to play for a contender!
Public relations “priority.”
“It’s not you, it’s us. We’ve moved on to Plan G” – R.S.
RSox have spoiled its fans this past 20yr run. It’s possible they don’t like their outlook in ’23 even with a large expenditure, will let other clubs be unwise this offseason and make their move for ’24. That could be prioritizing Devers instead of Bogaerts or allocating those $ for future pitching acquisition opportunities since that is really expensive. A little patience can be a virtue and pounce later.
Do you really think Devers will sign with the Sox after Bogaerts leaves? Not going to happen.
100% if he ultimately hears the guaranteed dollar figure he wants. Teammates part ways for their own individual financial interest. Did Yordan Alvarez turn down an extension b/c Correa or Springer weren’t re-signed? Of course not-he agreed to one. Would some random NYY refuse to extend if Judge were to sign elsewhere? Again no, b/c that can actually free up $ for them to get a better offer by a teammate leaving.
Hard to watch Bloom run the Moneyball playbook with the Sox. The farm system is deep enough to trade a few farmhands. The Sox are capable of spending money without overspending, but Bloom seems totally hamstrung, by his own frugal sensibilities or management’s direction. Regardless, it’s frustrating.
Well said. Very frustrating.
I couldnt agree more.
If Bloom hasn’t even attempted to sign him then he is a flat out liar.
he’s a 30 yr old ss who’s defense is average at best. he’s just another spoiled entitled athlete who’s gonna cry he’s not getting paid enough. Boston shouldn’t offer him more than 5yrs/125mill. if he says he can’t live off that then shake his hand and let someone else overpay him.
Average defense? He was one of three candidates for gold glove.
XB has no range and is not a SS. The offer given last spring paid him like a 2B, which is where he should be playing. Being a gold glove finalist is meaningless. Last year is his only year that he even made average defensively. With the shift being gone, his lack of range will be even more apparent. I know he is a fan favorite but getting a real shortstop will do for Boston what getting a real Catcher did for NYY.
*IF* you believe the offer given in the spring paid market value, it was tacking 1yr/30m to the end of what was there. No acknowledgement of the undervalue deal signed that he has the opt out on, and, nothing to bring THAT portion of the deal in line.
While it’d still be likely short due to the years portion, had bloom said ‘let’s add an extra 4th year at 30m to the end, AND, let’s put an additional $30m signing bonus in there to be paid $10m/yr in each of 23, 24, 25, then youd have a $30m a year deal over all four at closest to a market rate.
I bet at least that would’ve felt more in good faith, since it would do SOMETHING to rectify the undervalue portion of things which were part impetus for the opt out to be triggered.
But, bumbling bloom did not address the under market portion either through bonuses or excessive years, and here we are losing another face of the franchise
GASoxFan: You make it sound like Bogaerts was a victim of an undervalue deal. No one made Bogaerts sign the deal. It paid him $20M per year. What a horrible deal!
@all – no, I don’t imply someone ‘made’ him sign the undervalue deal. In fact. He specifically asked for it against boras’ advice at the time.
HOWEVER. he also had the opt out built in.
After seeing the bloom era mismanagement, he simply said the sacrifice he made, much like Pedroia before him, was no longer coming to pass. If I read the tea leaves I think it was the buying prospects and reclamation projects and NOT putting the extra savings into the team in a serious effort to win. Nothing bloom did makes sense if you’re trying to win now.
So, why continue to take a pay cut when it’s not for the likely reasons he would’ve done so – enjoyed being on a winning club, liked where he was, and, wanted to give more ammo to keep the best winning roster in place? Bloom destroyed that environment.
Then, bloom insults with the 1 extra year which also barely moved the aav on the deal.
Then, bloom brings in more junk, jbj for renfroe, trades Vaz, neglects any meaningful bullpen, keeps making bonehead investments in the rotation with paxton…. clearly not spending payroll to win now.
But yes, $20m/yr was a terrible deal for a guy with his skills at his ages of control, and, you can’t blame him for wanting to be treated with respect – a concept bloom clearly appears to have no grasp of
GASoxFan: I’m not buying Bogaerts making some sacrifice and I’m not buying all this disrespect nonsense. I think Bogaerts signed the 5 year/$100M deal to secure himself financially and he succeeded. He opted out after 3 years to try and get a higher pay day. It’s just been business on both sides – each side working for their own best interests. They came to an agreement then. Let’s see what happens now. Crying for Xander Bogaerts is just ridiculous.
Believe what you want. If you want an educated opinion, read contemporary reports and feedback from boras when it was signed. Xander was already ‘financially secure’ when making the deal right after Sale inked his own extension. It was done the spring before he would’ve been an unrestricted free agent at 26 years old, not as a pre-arb player who hadn’t made any money yet.
If you do read those accounts, including statements made by him, you’ll get a better idea about how the respect he felt he got from Boston was directly responsible for the deal.
Also feel free to read all the reporting on how he felt the contra t offer from bloom was an insult.
To add more insult to injury, the reporting on opting out of the last 3 seasons, 23-25, neglects an important fact. The contract had a vesting 20m option for 2026 if he had just over 500pa in 2025. So the ‘extra year’ bloom offered was merely adding 10m and formally exercising the existing 2026 option.
Makes the lowball from bloom even worse.
GASoxFan: It is all just business. All this getting your feelings hurt is a bunch of crap.
he had his one good defensive season in a contract year…
I mean, tbh, overpaying for Boegarts would be a huge mistake.
Curtis: Agreed. Overpaying for most people is a mistake. Accumulate enough bad contracts and you are screwed for years.
When bogearts signs with a real team the ripple effect will be devers stone walking the sox future offers. Knowing he will get multiple quality offers when he hits free agency all surpassing anything the sox offer! The red Sox will be a fifth place team for the next five years!
I pray the. Sox don’t offer any more than 5-135. The money needs to go to devers and pitching we had bogey for 10 years he won he is now going to decline It’s juts a fact no need to overpay to see what we know will be a downward trend.
Joely Rodriguez — already turned 30 with 5 MLB seasons (146.0 IP and 1 save and 5 blown saves, 4.56 lifetime ERA).
Chris Martin — turning 37 in June and has played for 7 teams in 7 seasons (251.0 IP with 9 saves and 11 blown saves). Had an excellent ERA last year, about half of his career average.
What are the odds Devers will be with the Red Sox after the 2024 season?
The exact same as they will be after the ’23 season?
Zero. Devers wants to be paid like a 3B and he is going to b a DH or 1B within a couple of years. The Red Sox are not going to pay him the $35 million AAV he wants to DH.
I’d love to see Dansby Swanson in Beantown. I can’t be the only one either.
SPEND SPEND SPEND SPEND SPEND!!
Good lord people, running a baseball team is about more than just throwing $ at overvalued free agents. 6 years and $200MM for Bogaerts would be just a horrible investment. I love X and he’s my kid’s favorite player, but if that’s what a “competitive” offer looks like, count me out.
They’re coming in under the CBT.
As a Red Sox fan I am extremely disappointed in the whole Xander situation.
Xander has been the face of this franchise he took the team friendly contract originally and stayed with Boston despite what I’m sure was Boras urging to get a higher contract. He has been nothing but a fantastic spokesman for the team. When his defense was questioned he worked hard in the off-season to improve and his best season of his career defensively at short. He takes very good care of himself he seems to me like the kind of player that will age pretty gracefully and for those reasons alone he should remain a Red Sox.
There is another reason that Boston needs to sign this guy. Boston is getting a reputation as a big market team that lowballs there linchpin players and won’t pay market rate to keep there own. This has to stop and what better player to do that with then Bogey. He deserves and market rate contract but from all accounts they aren’t giving him that level of a contract and it’s a damn shame he has given no other indication that he wants anything but to be a Red Sox for life. He plays banged up he is a gamer for gods sake Ownership pull your head out and sign this guy show some good faith. Players from around the league take notice this is embarrassing for a big market team like Boston sign the man or at least make a legit offer if you offer 8/210 and he turns it down to sign with someone else then so be it but for gods sake make a legitimate effort for this guy, rant over.
Houston spent years trading away their players for prospects and coming in last in order to collect high draft picks. Doesn’t seem to have built them a reputation that couldn’t be forgotten upon them making the highest offer to sign a player. When Boston is ready to spend, they will, and when players get offers they like, they will take their money. It won’t be a problem.
Houston, historically, hasn’t been a big market club they spent years getting top draft picks and having a really bad club. This will never fly in Boston I can never see a the fans putting up with a true rebuild. The bottom line sign Xander extend Devers will still have another 50 million or so to sign free agents and remain under the cap. This team can be competitive next year so if that’s the goal do it. If the goal is to soft rebuild then sell it to the fans and do it. Pick a damn lane and go.
Any chance they are content going into the year with Yorke at 2b with Koss and Valdez in there battling for time? And wait for Mayer to come next year? Rafaela at occasional SS with Story at 2nd? They have plenty of in house options that they could give a look to.
No, because the only player you name who, by virtue of his age and minor league experience, is ready for some MLB time in 2023 (but not a lot) is Valdez. Frankly, I’m hoping they snag Iglesias again to play SS on a one-year contract. Of course, I’m assuming Bogaerts is elsewhere.
Sure seems odd that they haven’t even made an offer, but the report could obviously be full of s or without proper context. Maybe they agreed to speak after the winter meetings.
Please no albatross contracts!!!!!
Ive given Bloom the benefit of the doubt so far throughout his Sox tenure. How he is handling Bogaerts is really go to flip me to Team Fire Chaim though if he botches it. Make or break offseason for Chaim and every early indication has me feeling pretty confident he will fail.
sax fan here – I will be f-ing furious if they don’t re-sign bogaerts and extend devers. it’s bad enough that they let Mookie go cheaply, and traded away Benintendi for some reason. If these aren’t the type of players worth keeping in their opinion – then who on earth is?
People want to watch a good team, and currently the team REVOLVES around Xander and Rafi
Let Bogaerts go rather than overpay. 100 mlb players hit more home runs in 2022, he is an average defender, turning to back end of career.
I’m just not getting why Bogaerts is viewed as “lesser” than Correa. Last three years, offensive numbers in advanced and conventional metrics all pretty much equal. Just because his HR have decreased? Guy has been automatic 300-370 15-25HR, scores runs in a good lineup, and his one big weakness, defense, he was actually okay last year. I see him as a bargain for a team if the projections of 7 years less than 200M pan out as compared to correa. I like him more in more of a hitter friendly park, but I can say that about all of them.
I’ll start off by saying I’m in the camp that wants to see Bogaerts brought back and if it cost around 200 million, I’m okay with it. Same for Devers at 300+ million. It just doesn’t feel like ownership is committed to putting the best product they can on the field each and every year. The 3rd wealthiest team in MLB shouldn’t be hemorrhaging this many star players this frequently. Look I get the Bloom hate, he has made as many garbage signings/trades as he has good ones but his legacy is tied to the farm and only time will tell at this point. Bloom doesn’t have a blank check, John Henry signs those and I can guarantee that if John Henry says sign Bogaerts then Bloom is going to do everything he can to sign him, just like I can guarantee John Henry is the one dictating this Bogaerts situation.
Bloom said they have not yet made a formal offer at all. Guess no offer would mean they haven’t made a competitive one.
Boston will lowball Xander and say they tried but need to pay the next guy, just like they did with Betts. Then they’ll not pay the guy they said they were gonna pay later on.
Can’t wait to see Devers walk too.