Chaim Bloom hits back at “overblown” Red Sox rumor after Xander Bogaerts opt-out
Less than a day after Chaim Bloom publicly renewed the Boston Red Sox’ interest in Xander Bogaerts, a new report from MLB insider Mark Feinsand suggests they’re also exploring a trade for a second baseman so they could move Trevor Story to shortstop.
Nothing says ‘We want you back, Bogey’ like having a backup plan, right Mr. Bloom?
Not so fast, though, because Bloom immediately pushed back:
“I would say that individual report is overblown.We’re looking into a lot of different guys right now. Some of whom, obviously, intersect with our shortstop situation. Some of whom don’t. I wouldn’t read too much into that.”via MassLive
Chaim Bloom reiterates Xander Bogaerts is top priority amid rumors of second baseman trade
The Red Sox are going to cover their bases, no pun intended. Bloom called Bogaerts “Option A,” but he can’t be the only option now that they’ve let him reach free agency. Of course, what’s so ridiculous about this situation is that it’s a mess of their own making. This all could’ve been avoided if they paid Bogaerts last spring instead of Story and targeted a true second baseman, instead. At the time, Bogaerts had four years and $80M left on his deal. The Sox gave Story six years and $140M. It would’ve been cheaper and easier to rework Bogaerts’ contract. What’s more, it’s unclear whether or not Story’s arm can even handle shortstop anymore.
Still, it’s significant that Bloom moved quickly to dispel this rumor. It could speak to the club’s seriousness about bringing Bogaerts home. Of course, it could also just be a tactic to throw the public off the scent and obfuscate their offseason strategy.
