Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers posted a farewell message to former teammate Xander Bogaerts, who signed a massive deal with the San Diego Padres.
Early Thursday morning, Boston Red Sox fans got the news they’ve been dreading since the start of the offseason: shortstop Xander Bogaerts has signed elsewhere. After falling short on Trea Turner and Aaron Judge, the San Diego Padres were able to get Bogaerts to agree to an 11-year, $280 million contract. He’s another local talent leaving Boston, the other notable name being Mookie Betts. The decision drew a strong reaction from Red Sox fans on social media.
Later that day, Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers posted a photo of him and Bogaerts to his Instagram Story with a touching farewell message to his now former teammate.
Rafael Devers sends a farewell message to Xander Bogaerts
Bogaerts made his Red Sox debut in the 2013 season. Four years later, Devers was called up to play third base, while Bogaerts was at shortstop. This created one of the best left infielders in the entire American League. The duo made it to the All-Star Game together in 2021 and 2022, and won the World Series in 2018.
Now Bogaerts is heading to the National League. Red Sox fans are hoping the team can find a way to prevent something similar from happening with Devers, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. well become one of the highest paid players in baseball.
Throughout the year, the Red Sox and Bogaerts were far apart in contract negotiations, which paved the way for shortstop free agency. The Red Sox were outbid for Bogaerts, but it turns out it was by a pretty wide margin.
According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox offered Bogaerts a six-year contract worth around $160 million. Additionally, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reported that three or four teams were willing to offer Bogaerts over $200 million.
Bogaerts is no longer with the Red Sox. Now fans are hoping the team can find a way to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen with Devers.
Next : MLB Power Rankings: The ranking of the 30 teams after the Winter Meetings
