Red Sox should prepare for life without Xander Bogaerts

The Red Sox and Xander Bogaerts have had no contract talks

The Boston Red Sox and Xander Bogaerts are now in an intractable situation regarding a new contract extension. The history of the negotiations started with a wrong turn down the negotiation street with an offer that would seem insulting based on the going rate for premier shortstops. Now it is over.

Recently Bogaerts waxed on about his years with the Red Sox with MassLive, and a tinge of regret and disappointment seeped into his reflections. Buried within the conversation is a slight reference to the contract. There have been no negotiations. No one has reached out to Bogaerts. Apparently, management has no interest in Bogaerts

"“Zero. Crickets,” Bogaerts  responded regarding contract talks."

Bogaerts’ career with the Red Sox is exceptional, and in another age, with less player flexibility, he would be a Boston for life player. Those days have evaporated, and a franchise for life player is rare. Otherwise, Mookie Betts would be in Boston.

Boston has it covered. Bogaerts is replaceable with the signing of Trevor Story. A slight upgrade in defense, good run production, and cost efficiency compared to Bogaerts. Story agreed to move to second base, and now he will return to short for 2023 unless Bogaerts is traded.

The next issue on the order board is second base and a possible return to the post-Dustin Pedroia merry-go-round that caused stagnation. The Red Sox have internal options such as Enrique Hernandez (if he re-signs), Christian Arroyo, and even for the bizarre, a return to second for Jarren Duran.

Boston could dip into the free-agent pool, risk it with minor league prospects such as an under-performing Jeter Downs, hope Nick Yorke steps it up, and maybe Marcelo Mayer does a Wander Franco and is ready for “The Show,” and Story slips back to second with Mayer at short. There are many mixes and match options, but Bogaerts will not be part of the puzzle since he is prepared to move on.

The Red Sox showed little love in possibly re-signing Bogaerts but did show the ability to prepare for the inevitable. A shout out to Chaim Bloom and money management. The only issue that will continue to surface is the PR reaction for being cheap bastards.

Bogaerts also made mention of a potential trade. Would the Red Sox make such a move now that they are deep into a playoff run? Absolutely, since Bloom is not shy about moving players. Such a move could initiate the infield shuffle before spring training of 2023.

It is a shame that circumstances conspired to have Bogaerts leave Boston, and he will be firmly entrenched in Red Sox lore for his ability and noted leadership. Maybe it will work out for both?