The Boston Red Sox have extended yet another key piece. This time, it’s 26-year-old shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox have agreed to terms with the Aruba native on a seven-year extension worth $132 million. Jeff Passan has confimed the deal is seven years for $132 million, but details on opt-outs are still being worked out between the Red Sox and Bogaerts.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a seven-year, $132M contract extension, league sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 1, 2019
After extending left-handed pitcher Chris Sale last week, the defending World Series champions have locked up one-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Xander Bogaerts. After coming off of one of his best seasons, the young shortstop was expected to be one of the biggest names in free agency at the end of the 2019 season.
What does this mean for the future?
The Bogaerts extension is a deal that is very team-friendly, especially for a team that is doing its best to remain under the luxury tax while having six players enter free agency at the end of the 2019 season. Many are also expecting slugger J.D. Martinez to opt out of his current contract in hopes of getting more money. The Red Sox have also been in talks with extending 2018 American League MVP Mookie Betts, although the Betts camp does not seem interested in signing a long-term contract.
This extension will help stabilize the Red Sox infield for the foreseeable future. The Red Sox had veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia miss the entire 2018 campaign and currently have him rehabbing his way back to the big leagues. Also, with both first baseman Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce becoming free agents at the end of the season, a lot of turnover could be in the future plans of the Red Sox. The Red Sox also have very few infield prospects on the horizon, so a Bogaerts extension will provide some comfort in the infield.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
