As expected, Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has officially terminated his contract, the MLB Players Association announced (via twitter) that Bogaerts was among the latest players to join the free agent market. Bogaerts will leave the last three years and $60 million of his contract with Boston to look for a bigger open market deal.
There was never much suspense over Bogaerts’ decision, as an opt-out always seemed fairly likely, even from the moment the shortstop signed the six-year, $120 million extension in April 2019. Bogaerts just turned 30 last month, and he’s sure to command well over three years and $60 million in his first taste of the free-agent market.
Perhaps the only question surrounding the opt-out was whether the Red Sox would make it a moot point by agreeing to another extension with Bogaerts. However, Boston reportedly made a surprisingly small offer during renewal talks in the spring of just an extra season and another $30 million added to Bogaert’s current contract. Up until a month ago, Bogaerts said the two sides had not engaged in any further negotiations, although it’s likely safe to assume some talks have taken place given how Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom stressed that Bogaerts was Boston’s top priority on the road to the US is out of season.
The Red Sox will continue to retain exclusive negotiating rights with Bogaerts until free agency officially opens Thursday. Although both sides share a common interest in Bogaerts’ future in Boston, it would be terribly surprising if the two sides agreed on a new deal so close to the market opening. Once other teams are able to talk to Bogaerts, it remains to be seen whether the Sox will outbid other contenders or perhaps explore other shortstop options after 10 seasons with Bogaerts at Fenway Park.