Could the Boston Red Sox re-acquire Xander Bogaerts just one season after he departed?
Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract ($25.45 million average annual value) with the San Diego Padres last winter during the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings. At that point, it sounded as if he'd retire out West.
Now, the Padres' financial issues have put that conclusion in jeopardy.
"If (the Padres) have to make some tough decisions, GMs say, they wouldn’t be surprised to see the Padres dangle shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. in creative deals to avoid trading (Juan) Soto," USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote Sunday.
Would the Red Sox potentially be in play for their former homegrown star and unofficial captain? If the Padres were to absorb a chunk of the salary, it would make sense.
Bogaerts hit .285 with 52 extra-base hits including 19 home runs, 58 RBIs and a .790 OPS (120 OPS+) in 155 games last season.
The Aruban product posted a serviceable -4 defensive runs saved and three outs above average at shortstop in San Diego. He posted five defensive runs saved and five outs above average in his final year with the Red Sox, though the old shifting rules aided those numbers.
If the Red Sox were to slide Bogaerts to second base, it would be a rare opportunity to slot an above-average right-handed bat up the middle to further balance the lineup.
Then Boston could decide whether to re-sign Justin Turner or sign another impact right-handed hitter to play outfield and move Masataka Yoshida to the designated hitter role.
A trade for Bogaerts would make sense for the Red Sox in 2024 but the organization would be committing to a 31-year-old through the 2033 season.
Given Bogaerts chronic wrist issues, that would be a disaster waiting to happen. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow should make a call about his former teammate but only seriously consider a trade if the Padres were willing to payout at least half of the deal. Considering the point of a trade would be financially motivated, that sounds unlikely.
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