Despite Boston’s insistence that re-signing their All-Star shortstop was a priority, Xander Bogearts signed a massive 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres late Wednesday night. It was a shocking turn of events for the franchise, and Red Sox players and the media vented their anger on social media after the decision.
Red Sox utilityman Enrique Hernandez uploaded an image to his Instagram Story of himself and Bogearts walking in what appeared to be a hotel lobby, with “Baby Come Back” playing in the background. Hernandez merely posted a white backdrop with a sad face emoji in his second post.
Fred Lynn, a former player who spent multiple seasons with the Red Sox in the 1970s, stated on Twitter, “Bogearts… he will be difficult to replace. Likewise Betts.” Lynn was referring to Boston’s decision to trade star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Dodgers after the 2019 season as opposed to extending his deal. Without Betts, Boston has failed to qualify for the postseason in each of the past two seasons, including a loss in the 2021 American League Championship Series.
Some Boston media members were far more direct.
“Thank you so much, Xander Bogarts! Bill Simmons, a Boston sports fan famed for his outspokenness, tweeted, “The Red Sox owners can f— off.”
“Spent hours last night investing on the Red Sox. Mike Mutnansky, a WEEI radio DJ, tweeted, “I’m an idiot.” “Good for Xander. Jon Lester reincarnated. The offer is rushed. Ends up elsewhere. The Padres have been given “first priority.”
Jared Carrabis, a well-known Red Sox fan and reporter for DraftKings MLB, wrote, “What the f— happened?”
Boston seems inclined to sign its star shortstop, who came up through the Red Sox organization and joined the major league team in 2013. He has been a member of the All-Star team four times, most recently in 2022, and has received the Silver Slugger award five times (again, most recently in 2022).
However, the Padres, who had been pursuing a star player throughout the whole offseason and reportedly offered massive contracts to Aaron Judge and Trea Turner before they signed with the Yankees and Phillies, respectively, stepped in late Wednesday night and completed the deal. They are now adding Bogearts to a roster that already has Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Boston, however, may look elsewhere for a shortstop, with Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson both available as major players. Bogearts was clearly plan A, B, and C for a Red Sox team that missed the playoffs in 2022 and remains in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions.
»Red Sox players and the media express shock at Xander Bogearts’ departure for the Padres«