3 teams that should trade for Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts
It is not going to end well between the Boston Red Sox and Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox shortstop is likely to opt out of the remaining three years of his contract at season’s end, eyeing a much larger deal in free agency.
The Red Sox did somewhat make an attempt to keep Bogaerts for the long haul. However, Bogaerts regarded that offer as “a slap in the face” and slammed the door shut on further talks. While Bogaerts has gotten off to a strong start to the 2022 campaign, the Red Sox as a whole have not. It may be fair to wonder if some of that acrimony between the front office and their shortstop is a part of the problem.
Three teams that should acquire Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts
There is one thing that is all but certain – Bogaerts will not be with the Red Sox in 2023. The Red Sox seemingly expected as such when they signed Trevor Story, but this is not going to be an amicable separation. In fact, it may behoove Boston to trade Bogaerts now just to change the clubhouse considering their moribund start.
There is one caveat with any possible deal. Bogaerts has a full no-trade clause and can choose where he would want to go. However, if the situation between the two sides is as bad as it may seem, and they just want to end it now, he may be willing to waive that clause.
It is time for the Boston Red Sox to look to trade Xander Bogaerts. Let’s take a look at three teams that should be picking up the phone.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals felt that they were all set at shortstop heading into the 2022 season despite Paul DeJong’s continued struggles with the bat.
That was clearly not the case. After another lackluster start to the season, the Cardinals sent DeJong packing, optioning him down to Triple-A in the hopes that he can rediscover his form. In the interim, that likely means that Tommy Edman will see more time at short, at least until the light hitting Edmundo Sosa comes back.
However, that is not going to be enough for a team with playoff aspirations. Bogaerts would be an immediate upgrade to their lineup, adding another stellar bat to slot between Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt. Although he may not be in that same class defensively, the offensive upgrade more than makes up for the difference.
The St. Louis Cardinals desperately need a shortstop. Getting Xander Bogaerts from the Boston Red Sox could be the answer.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels lead the American League in on base percentage, slugging, and OPS thus far. However, there is a major gap in the lineup.
Shortstop has been a black hole for the Angels all year. David Fletcher had been a solid option in the past, but he has been plagued by injuries thus far and his offense has fallen off since the end of the 2019 season. Andrew Velazquez may be brilliant with the glove, but his 28 OPS+ entering Tuesday shows why he is better served as a utility option.
There is also a lot of pressure for the Angels to return to the postseason. They have made the playoffs just once in Mike Trout’s career, being swept by the Royals in 2014. Shohei Ohtani has yet to reach the postseason. The Angels cannot afford to waste another year of their primes.
Enter the Boston Red Sox. Bogaerts would be a tremendous upgrade to the lineup, adding another potent bat to a solid batting order. Having Trout, Ohtani, Bogaerts, and Taylor Ward in some order atop the lineup would be a nightmare for opposing pitchers. It would also improve the Angels’ odds of being able to break that playoff drought.
The Los Angeles Angels have not gotten any production from the shortstop position this year. That would change if they make a move for Xander Bogaerts.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of problems. Shortstop is just one of them.
To be fair, Didi Gregorius has been solid with the bat. He is not going to be an All Star, nor is he going to win a Gold Glove award, but he has been a respectable enough piece with the bat. He is, however, not close to being a game changer. Now that Gregorius is on the Injured List, the Phillies are using Johan Camargo and Bryson Stott, a combination that is not conducive to making up ground in the standings.
Xander Bogaerts, however, is. He would be another impact bat for the lineup, someone that could help the Phillies’ issues simply by getting more runs on the scoreboard. Considering the Phillies bullpen woes and some of the problems in their rotation, they may need to win 10-8 almost every night.
The Boston Red Sox could theoretically help in that regard as well. Matt Barnes may be a dumpster fire, but he might also need a change of scenery at this point. If they are going to sell, they might as well find other pieces that could fit what the Phillies need.
dark. Next. Four teams that should be hitting the panic button
Shortstop may not be atop the Philadelphia Phillies needs. However, if they want to show that they are looking to get back to the postseason this year, Xander Bogaerts could be the right option.