Red Sox insider names current favorite to land Xander Bogaerts

A Boston Red Sox insider tweeted out which team is considered the favorite to sign free agent shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

The Boston Red Sox watched as shortstop Xander Bogaerts declined a $19.65 million qualifying offer and hit unrestricted free agency. Coming off of a solid 2022 season, Bogaerts is one of the top shortstops on the open market and cold receive a lucrative offer from a team in need. But is there a favorite?

According to Red Sox analyst Marino Pepen, the Red Sox, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are interested in Bogaerts’ services. But when it comes to a favorite, Pepen lists the Phillies.

Phillies rumored to be favorites to sign Xander Bogaerts

“Good morning my people!!! Happy Wednesday!!! Xander Bogaerts currently has #RedSox , #Phillies and #Yankees interested in his services,” writes Pepen, via translation. “TODAY: #Philadelphia is the favourite, although #MediasRojas are still in the fight… We continue, Positive and OK.”

Back on Nov. 12, Jon Heyman of the New York Post tweeted out that the Phillies are believed to have real interest in Bogaerts, citing that their team president Dave Dombrowski knows of the shortstop during his time with the Red Sox.

It’s no secret that the Phillies are in the market for a shortstop, as they have also been linked to Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies are expected to bolster their roster after falling in the World Series to the Houston Astros in six games.

Bogaerts is coming off of a 2022 season where he slashed .307/.377/.456 while recording 15 home runs, 73 RBI, 84 runs scored, and 171 hits in 150 games.

The Red Sox fanbase is hopeful that the team finds a way to re-sign Bogaerts. But, he has some interest from other teams in the league.