When the Boston Red Sox didn’t get a deal done with Xander Bogaerts prior to this past season, they were inviting the risk of a winter bidding war.
It now appears a bidding war will come to pass.
Since hitting the market, Bogaerts has been linked to a slew of teams – from small markets to big, contenders to rebuilders. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have insisted that keeping Bogaerts is their top priority.
But with the Winter Meetings about to begin, Audacy MLB Insider Bob Nightengale wrote in a story for USA Today that Bogaerts is getting a ton of interest, and that the Red Sox haven’t given him a competitive offer.
“No shortstop is drawing more widespread interest than Bogaerts, who will come cheaper than (Trea) Turner and (Carlos) Correa," Nightengale wrote. "The Boston Red Sox would love to keep him, but their offers haven't come close to enticing him to stay, and now Bogaerts has about nine teams who have expressed strong interest.
"The Chicago Cubs, who have boldly said they plan to build a contender, significantly raising their payroll, have Bogaerts as their top priority."
Nightingale also mentioned that the Cubs have been in the market for Correa, who is a younger option than Bogaerts but is expected to land more money.
Maybe the Red Sox simply are prepared to move on from Bogaerts, content to play Trevor Story at short while awaiting Marcelo Mayer to ascend in the minors. Maybe they expect Bogaerts to circle back to them and offer a chance at matching any offer he gets.
Whatever the case, the more teams that enter the sweepstakes, the more difficult it becomes to envision Bogaerts continuing his run with the Red Sox.
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