yahoo
The Boston Red Sox' playoff exit a month ago has shifted focus to the offseason, prompting reflections on players who signed lucrative long-term deals after extended tenures with the organization.
Among them is Xander Bogaerts, who spent his first decade in Boston, claimed two World Series rings, and earned four All-Star selections. Now with the San Diego Padres, Bogaerts remains owed a substantial sum by his current team.
Contract Details
After the 2022 season, Bogaerts departed the Red Sox for the Padres, inking an 11-year, $280 million contract that includes a $5 million signing bonus, fully guaranteed money, and an average annual salary of $25,454,545, according to Spotrac.com. In 2027, his base salary will be $25 million, with a total salary of $25,454,545.
MLBTR.com's Darragh McDonald reports that Bogaerts is still owed $175 million through 2033. In 2026, he batted .231 with an OPS+ of 90 over 153 games for San Diego—marks below his career norms.
The contract poses a significant financial burden for the Padres, especially as Bogaerts will be 41 by the deal's end. If his offensive decline continues, it could weigh heavily on the franchise in the coming years, making Boston's choice to let him leave in free agency appear wise.
Bogaerts' Red Sox Legacy
During his 10-year stint in Boston, Bogaerts was a key infielder on several talented teams. He earned All-Star honors in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022, and across 1,264 games in a Red Sox uniform, he hit 156 home runs, 308 doubles, and drove in 683 runs. A five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, he was once regarded as one of MLB's premier hitting shortstops.
Bogaerts left an indelible mark on the Red Sox franchise and is now aiming to make a similar impact with the Padres.
Originally reported by yahoo.