Red Sox: David Ortiz backs Xander Bogaerts with strong statement about contract

David Ortiz says it “would be stupid” if the Boston Red Sox allowed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to walk after this season.

Ahead of the start of the 2022 season Boston Red Sox fans waited for updates that revealed that the team and shortstop Xander Bogaerts agreed to terms on a contract extension. That did not come to reality, as the team did sign Trevor Story to a six year contract and would play second base for the 2022 season. With Bogaerts carrying a player opt-out at the end of the campaign, one has to wonder if this will be it for his time in Boston.

Red Sox legend and class of 2022 Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz said, via Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, that “it would be stupid” if the team were to let Bogaerts go.

David Ortiz says Red Sox letting Xander Bogaerts go would be ‘stupid’

Bogaerts was seeking a new deal ahead of Opening Day which would pay him the same annually as fellow shortstops Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and and Carlos Correa. The Red Sox did not get anywhere near matching it, and talks immediately ended.

The shortstop is in the middle of his six-year, $120 million deal with Boston and has the opt-out to allow him to hit free agency. From there, he could very well be the top player at his position and can get what he is seeking. Certainly helps that his agent is Scott Boras, who reportedly ruled out any chance of in-season negotiations with the Red Sox.

Through 40 games this season, Bogaerts is slashing .325/.385/.457 while recording four home runs, 17 RBI, 24 runs scored and 49 hits.

If the Red Sox opt against keeping Bogaerts in Boston long-term, they already have Story under contract. He played shortstop with the Colorado Rockies, and he has recently broken out of his slump in a huge way in the team’s May home series against the Seattle Mariners. If he keeps it up, Boston may feel more inclined to not pursue a contract agreement with Bogaerts.