What’s next for Sox after Bogaerts’ departure
Bogaerts was a franchise cornerstone who helped Boston win World Series titles in 2013 and ’18. He had been with the group since signing as a global free agent out of Aruba as a 16-year-old in ’09.
The Red Sox had stated quite a few occasions that re-signing Bogaerts this offseason was the entrance workplace’s “top priority”. But there are by no means any ensures in free company, and the membership must transfer on with out him.
Here are some potentialities for the Red Sox within the aftermath of Bogaerts heading to San Diego.
Pivot to Swanson
Though Carlos Correa remains to be on the market in free company, he’s prone to get a deal on par with the mega-pacts Trea Turner (Phillies) and Bogaerts agreed to this week. If the Sox weren’t going to go that top for Bogaerts, it stands to purpose that they gained’t be compelled to take action for Correa.
Which brings us to Dansby Swanson, the opposite prime shortstop on the free agent market. The Red Sox have been in contact with Swanson’s representatives. Now that bringing again Bogaerts is not an choice, maybe they’ll ratchet up their efforts to signal a 28-year-old who performed in all 162 video games for the Braves final season whereas belting 25 homers and stealing 18 bases.
The Red Sox reportedly made a six-year, $160 million provide to Bogaerts. Would they put an analogous deal on the desk for Swanson? And in that case, would that be sufficient? Time will inform.
Move Story again to brief
While Trevor Story was very good defensively for the Red Sox in his transfer to second base final season, there’s an opportunity he’ll transfer again to his pure place of shortstop to interchange Bogaerts.
There are lingering questions on Story’s arm energy resulting from an elbow harm he performed via in 2021 with the Rockies. The Red Sox have stated in current weeks they’re assured he has sufficient in his arm to play shortstop. There isn’t any doubting Story’s athleticism.
No matter what place Story performs subsequent season, the Red Sox want him to be in higher well being and be extra constant on the plate. He performed in solely 93 video games in ’22, hitting .238 with a .737 OPS.
With Story signed for 5 extra years, getting him again on monitor will likely be one of the vital vital objectives for the 2023 Red Sox.
If Story goes to brief, do they pursue Segura?
Putting Story again at shortstop may pave the best way for the membership to signal Jean Segura, the most effective offensive second baseman obtainable in free company.
Segura’s membership choice was declined by the Phillies in November, placing him available on the market.
A fractured proper index finger restricted Segura to 98 video games final season and maybe had one thing to do with the right-handed hitter placing up his lowest OPS (.723) since 2015. Segura is a strong participant — not a star. It isn’t sensible to interchange Bogaerts with one participant. Someone just like the 32-year-old Segura may very well be a pleasant piece to the puzzle.
Could Kiké settle in at SS or 2B?
One of essentially the most helpful issues about Kiké Hernández is his defensive versatility. While middle area has been Hernández’s major place in his two years in Boston, he prefers enjoying the infield.
Hernández seemed strong in restricted motion at shortstop final season, and enjoying him there would enable Story to take it straightforward on his throwing elbow.
But if the Sox determine to maneuver Story to brief, Hernández may settle again in what most individuals suppose is his finest defensive place — second base.
Sign Devers to an extension
If there may be one factor the Red Sox don’t need to undergo a 12 months from now, it will be being pressured to attempt to deliver again star slugger Rafael Devers via free company. That technique didn’t work nicely with Bogaerts.
With substantial payroll coming off the books this offseason, the Red Sox may very well be in robust monetary place to make Devers the kind of profitable provide he seeks.
Devers is 26 years outdated — smack in the midst of his prime.
For a fanbase that has seen Mookie Betts and Bogaerts go to different groups lately, shedding Devers can be a crusher. The Red Sox will proceed prioritizing an extension for his or her third baseman between now and the tip of Spring Training.
