Red Sox give Fenway Park a chance to say goodbye to Xander Bogaerts (Video)

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts was pulled from what could be his final game with the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox failed to make the postseason, finishing last in the AL East. Their final game of the campaign would be on Wednesday, Oct. 5 against the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Rays. This game could also be the final one for potential free agents.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts has an opt-out clause in his contract, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. He has yet to make an official decision as to if he will exercise it.

In the top of the seventh inning, with Boston leading Tampa Bay 4-2, Bogaerts was pulled from the game. Bogaerts was seen hugging his teammate, including third baseman Rafael Devers. The shortstop also tipped his hat to the fans at Fenway Park in what could potentially be his final home game with the Red Sox.

Xander Bogaerts receives standing ovation from Red Sox fans in potential last game with team

This was Bogaerts second season under his current six-year, $120 million contract with Boston. The two sides tried to negotiate a new deal ahead of the season, but could not reach an agreement.

Bogaerts had a strong 2022 campaign, recording a .307 batting average, a .377 on-base percentage, a .456 slugging percentage, 15 home runs, 73 RBI, and 171 hits through 150 games.

If Bogaerts is to opt out of his current contract, he will join Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves as the top shortstops available in free agency. There is still uncertainty as to whether he will do so. So, that will be something to keep an eye on with the regular season officially over.