Xander Bogaerts’ sudden and dramatic departure from the Boston Red Sox has left an entire fanbase scratching their heads in disbelief. It was, after all, an outcome that seemed unimaginable given Bogaerts’ connection to the franchise and indeed the city. Ultimately, this was a homegrown star whose box office pulling power at the turnstiles made the Red Sox one of the most followed sports teams in Massachusetts.

So, how has it comes to this and what does the franchise’s hierarchy tell their supporters after assuring them that getting Bogaerts to sign a new deal was their top priority?

Were the Red Sox too complacent?

To begin to get an understanding of where this all went wrong, fans have to go back to the contract negotiations between the Red Sox and Bogaerts. As of the start of November, Bogaerts was, of course, in the middle of a six-year deal that he signed in 2019, the catch, however, was that the shortstop could exercise an opt-out clause after the 2022 season. As we now know he did, but why still remains the question.

Unsurprisingly, it comes down to money with the Red Sox unable to extend Bogaerts’ deal after the San Diego Padres offered the 30-year-old an 11-year deal worth a reported $280 million. In other words, the Red Sox were not willing to match the eye-watering terms that the Padres were offering. Tellingly, the best deal they would offer was a $160 million contract over the course of six years.

There will naturally be conclusions made about Bogaerts choosing a more lucrative contract over the opportunity to stay with the Red Sox but the reality is that when a team like the Padres decide to break the bank to sign a player, there is very little that can be done to stop it from happening. The only complaint is that the Red Sox let this contract saga reach the stage it did, with Bogaerts eventually deciding that as a free agent, he could find a better deal.

What does this mean for the Red Sox’s 2023 World Series chances? 

On top of the anguish of seeing a cult hero leave, the most recent odds for the 2023 World Series title will undoubtedly also rub salt into the wounds of Red Sox fans given that the franchise is at +2800 to go all the way next season, while the Padres are at a much more competitive price of +1200. It’s not all bad news when it comes to wagering on the new season for Red Sox fans, however, as online sports betting in the Bay State is finally set to become legal in 2023, this will be a development that many baseball fans had hoped would happen. With that said, it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest Massachusetts sports betting updates which provide regular notifications as to the exact dates when retail and online sportsbooks will launch in MA. When it does, it goes without saying but fans will have to decide if the Red Sox are able to fight for the World Series title without the man who has four All-Star appearances to his name.

The end of the road 

Yes, it is the end of an era for the Red Sox and Bogaerts, only time will tell which party misses the other more.