Acquiring Xander Bogaerts: From a Stan’s Perspective

Don’t judge me.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Daniel Shirey / Stringer / Getty Images

Warning: The following post is written by a Xander Bogaerts Stan and is not to be taken too seriously.

On Friday, MLB Insider for CBS Sports Jim Bowden said on the Foul Territory podcast that the San Diego Padres would be willing to attach a top prospect in a trade package that included Xander Bogaerts and the remaining 9/$225M on his deal. So if I were in charge of the Boston Red Sox, would there be a scenario that could bring the prodigal son Xander Bogaerts back to Boston?

If you go back to the offseason following the 2022 season and the Xander Bogaerts situation, it ended very abruptly. There was strong belief that the Boston Red Sox were working out a new deal with their franchise player. I can remember being in on a Twitter Space and the vibe was that the deal was close to being done. When I woke up the next morning, Bogaerts signed a historic contract with the San Diego Padres (11/$280). Even though the Red Sox front office botched the contract negotiations with Bogaerts, the offer from the Padres blew away the Red Sox offer to the point where Bogaerts could not turn it down. Boston was never going to come close to the deal the Padres offered and just like that, Bogaerts’ tenure in Boston was done.

There’s a reason Bogaerts was a fan favorite when he was a Red Sox. Whether it was his clutch hits in the World Series as a 20 year-old back in 2013 or his ability to post even if he was dealing with an injury, Bogaerts had all of the qualities that Red Sox fans loved. At the end of his Sox career, Bogaerts was the leader of the team and the guy who spoke on behalf of the team. There’s no doubt that the negative contract negotiations affected him in 2022 but he left the club with class.

Since he left Boston, he’s been productive but not quite on the same level from when he was in Boston. Injuries have played a big factor. In 2023, Bogaerts played 155 games but dealt with a wrist injury for the majority of the second half. In 2024, Bogaerts fractured his shoulder on a dive playing second base that cost him over a month. When Bogaerts returned, he had a slash line of .292 / .333 / .429 with 7 home runs. The wrist injury that Bogaerts dealt with in ‘23 is something he has dealt with in the past with the Red Sox. Injuries are definitely a concern as Bogey ages.

Many would list Xander Bogaerts’ contract as one of the worst contracts in the sport. When he signed back in 2023, he signed an 11/$280M contract. It’s crazy that just after 2 seasons, San Diego is trying to move on from him. There is 9 years and roughly around $228M left on Bogaerts deal, roughly $25.4M AAV. No team would take that contract on and pay Bogaerts through his age 40 season unless they are given a good reason to. There are 2 things that would have to happen to take on the entire Bogaerts contract.

The Prospect Coming with Bogaerts

Mandatory Photo Credit: Norm Hall / Stringer / Getty Images

To bail the Padres ownership group out of their current financial situation, the Red Sox would need a top prospect in return. The Padres have a strong farm system and there is one prospect that I have my sights set on. The target is catching prospect Ethan Salas. The 18 year-old prospect is the second ranked prospect in the Padres organization and the 31st ranked prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. Salas is a terrific athlete and grades out as an above average defender who should be able to make contact and hopefully add power as he comes into his frame. Salas spent all of last year at A+.

Salas makes a ton of sense for the Red Sox because their organizational catching depth took a hit with the Garrett Crochet trade. Losing Kyle Teel is a big blow to the catching position and Salas would give Boston a legit option for the future. Salas projected debut is 2027, which aligns well with Boston’s upcoming window. Salas is the type of prospect the Padres should not give up but because the ownership family is fighting over money, now could be a time to take advantage of a team that is looking to shed payroll at any cost.

The Departure of Yoshida

The Red Sox roster feels like it is stuck in quicksand because of Masataka Yoshida. Now, this isn’t about my dislike of Yoshida because I think he’s a talented hitter. He just doesn’t fit the current Boston Red Sox. He won’t play the outfield with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu as elite defenders. He can DH but he doesn’t provide the necessary power the Red Sox are looking for. And the Red Sox lineup is loaded with left-handed bats. The lineup would look much different if Boston could go out and add a RH bat at DH.

Yoshida has 3 years and $55.8M remaining on his contract. If the Padres took on Yoshida and paid $40M of his remaining $55.8M, that would help bring down Bogaerts deal to $188M over 9 years, which would be an AAV of $20.8M. Although it’s unlikely that Bogaerts produces like a $20M player for the remaining 9 years of his deal, I believe Bogaerts will be a productive player over the next 5-6 years.

I understand most would push back against this deal. And I can get on board with penciling in Kristian Campbell on Opening Day to be the starting second baseman. However, I’m not a big fan of putting big expectations on rookies. The reality of starting Campbell is that he will be viewed as the “big right-handed bat addition,” which is unfair. Having quality depth is never a bad thing and further moves could be made down the road to open up a spot for Campbell and top prospect Roman Anthony.

I believe Bogaerts has good years ahead of him. The 32 year-old could provide the necessary leadership that this organization has been looking for and the right-bat it’s been searching for all offseason. As Bogaerts ages, DH could always be a future option. Bogaerts would be returning to one of the most hitter friendly ballparks for right-handed hitters and a ballpark where Bogaerts has thrived for years. There is something that is very appealing to bringing back a player who knows how to win in Boston.

Bringing back a fan favorite and leader in Xander Bogaerts along with a promising young catcher while also shedding the Yoshida contract could make this deal worth doing. Those would have to be the terms. But I’m all for righting a wrong and bringing Bogey back to Boston.

Sincerely,

A Bogaerts Stan