Ortiz: Red Sox 'would be stupid' to let Bogaerts go
Hall of Famer David Ortiz didn't mince words regarding shortstop Xander Bogaerts' future with the Boston Red Sox.
Ortiz believes keeping the three-time All-Star should be a priority for the club.
"It would be stupid to let a guy like that go, to be honest with you," Ortiz said, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. "I played with Bogey for a long time, and Bogaerts is the perfect player for any organization. He will represent this organization on and off the field. So that conversation needs to take place at any time."
The Red Sox and Bogaerts were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract before Opening Day and haven't actively re-engaged since. Following the season, the 29-year-old can opt out of a six-year, $132-million deal signed in 2019.
Bogaerts is off to a blistering start in 2022, hitting .325/.385/.457 with four home runs, 24 runs scored, and 17 RBIs in 40 games.
Ortiz and Bogaerts were teammates with the Red Sox from 2013-16 and helped the franchise to a World Series victory in 2013.