The Red Sox Extension For Xander Bogaerts is Music To My Ears
The Boston Red Sox have been busy extending their current core of contracts. First, it was Chris Sale most recently. Now, it is Xander Bogaerts’ turn.
BREAKING: The Red Sox and shortstop Xander Bogaerts are nearing a contract extension, sources said. Deal is not finalized, but is close.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) April 1, 2019
Xander Bogaerts and the Red Sox have reached an extension for 7 years and 132 million dollars. The deal also includes an opt out after the 2022 season.
.@RedSox, Xander Bogaerts close to finalizing 7-year, $132 million extension, reports @JonHeyman. https://t.co/FlvwxieelV pic.twitter.com/hn184AaPEy
— MLB (@MLB) April 1, 2019
The Future Shortstop Free Agency Classes Were Not Spectacular
The Red Sox probably saw the free agency markets of the future for shortstops and decided that extending Bogaerts was their best bet. They got the talented shortstop at a reasonable price. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa are not free agents for a few more seasons. The Red Sox made a smart move here instead of gambling on signing a highly talented shortstop a few years from now.
His Offensive Numbers Are Improving
The Red Sox do not win the 2018 World Series without the contributions of Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts hit .288 last season with 23 homeruns and 103 RBI’s, which were both career highs. His power is starting to show and that benefits the Red Sox tremendously. If Bogaerts can do this on a somewhat consistent basis, then the Red Sox lineup becomes that much better.
Watch Xander Bogaerts hit Boston's first home run of 2019: https://t.co/zoAFjUUBc2 pic.twitter.com/04X2wbsEZs
— NESN (@NESN) March 30, 2019
In Conclusion
Good for the Red Sox for getting this extension done. Now, that is one less problem they have to deal with in the future. They can focus on keeping guys like J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, and Andrew Benintendi in the fold. Also, the Red Sox have their shortstop of the future. Overall, a win-win for the Red Sox. No, that is not an April Fools joke. Maybe the Red Sox were fooling us the whole time in Seattle? Hope so!
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)