3 teams that should trade for Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts
By David Hill
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.