Cardinals: A Xander Bogaerts trade offer the Red Sox cannot refuse

The Boston Red Sox don’t seem likely to sign Xander Bogaerts during the season. Could they trade him to the St. Louis Cardinals instead?

Bogaerts would be costly, not just in the form of a trade, but also literally, as he’s due a contract extension.

St. Louis would not merely trade for Bogaerts as a rental — he’d have to sign a contract extension with the Cards. Said deal would likely come at the $32 million AAV mark (or near that) and around five-six years. That’s a lot to invest in any one player, but the Cardinals know that adding Bogaerts would give them the best infield in the sport.

It helps that St. Louis’ only major weakness is at shortstop, as Paul DeJong hasn’t worked out as planned.

Cardinals: What would a Xander Bogaerts trade look like?

Trading for Bogaerts would be complicated, and as previously mentioned, would have to come with an assurance from Bogaerts team and Scott Boras that he would negotiate an extension with them at a fair price. Assuming that’s in the bag — and St. Louis is willing to reach in theirs — then here’s a trade that could be enough to acquire Bogaerts.

If that looks like a lot for St. Louis to give up, that’s because it is. I repeat, this is the best-case scenario for Boston — a literal option they won’t refuse.

But keep in mind how impactful of a player Bogaerts can be. Heck, he’s your shortstop for the next half-decade if things work out, and could potentially bring a World Series or two to the organization. That sort of upgrade costs significant prospect capital.

Gorman is close to the MLB level and could slide in at second base. Trevor Story could move to shortstop as a result, as well, giving Boston a more stable infield.

Yepez has performed decently in his brief time at the MLB level. Considering first base is a void right now for Boston, Yepez could be an immediate upgrade there until Triston Casas is ready.

Jake Walsh would provide immediate bullpen relief for a Red Sox team that desperately needs it. That accounts for two prospects in the Cards top-6, and another in the top-25 per MLB Pipeline. Not a bad haul for Boston, and it doesn’t completely destroy St. Louis’ system.

The Cardinals hanging on to top-ranked 19-year-old third baseman Jordan Walker is key here.