The Boston Red Sox were unable to retain their star shortstop in Xander Bogaerts this past offseason.
The 30-year-old slugger and two-time World Series champion signed with the San Diego Padres on an 11-year, $280 million contract.
Boston’s offer to the star shortstop was nowhere close to what the Padres offered him.
However, despite now playing in another uniform, Bogaerts holds no animosity towards the Red Sox organization.
On Sunday, Bogaerts was asked about where things stand in his relationship with the Red Sox.
The 30-year-old had nothing but good things to say about the organization and praised his former teammates, the Red Sox coaching staff, and the front office.
Xander Bogaerts to @ChrisCotillo on his feelings toward the Red Sox:
“I have no bad feelings towards anyone. Especially not the players and the coaching staff. They were great. And some front office members were pretty cool.” (Via @FenwayRundown) pic.twitter.com/eF7BpYqcsb
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) April 10, 2023
Fortunately, there appears to be no love lost between Bogaerts and the Red Sox.
The sad reality of baseball is that the business aspect can leave a bitter taste in peoples’ mouths.
But here, Bogaerts makes it clear that he understands the business aspect of sports and that sometimes, things don’t always work out the way players, fans, or executives hope they do.
Bogaerts won two World Series titles with the Red Sox.
He has also won five Silver Slugger Awards and has been an All-Star four times.
Red Sox fans were certainly disappointed that the team did not retain the slugger this past offseason.
And to add salt to the wound, Trevor Story is out recovering from elbow surgery.
Needless to say, Boston fans are missing the four-time All-Star.
Fortunately though, there appears to be mutual respect on both sides, and Bogaerts seems grateful for his time in Boston.
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