Xander Bogaerts Needed To Go

The above title will put many Red Sox fans into a frenzy. Sadly, after numerous front office debacles, it is true that Xander needed to go. Let me start by saying I put 95% of the reasoning and blame on the Trevor Story signing. NOT Trevor Story, the person; I preface that as there have been many fans going after him rather than the Front Office. Instead, my blame is focused on Bloom and the thousands of Red Sox fans last year who was pushing him to make a signing after the team made it to the ALCS. Story is now the second highest-paid player on the team, only behind Chris Sale. When the ink hit that contract, Xander's time in a Red Sox uniform was over. There was no way that they could pay Xander what he wanted, extend Devers(if they even do that), and then field a decent team, all while trying to stay under the luxury cap. Beyond that, having two 30-year-old middle infielders for the foreseeable future, whose best days playing defense are behind them, was not going to result in bringing the tenth championship to Boston. Anyone who disagrees and still thinks Xander coming back to the team is in their right to have that opinion, but they need to start admitting that ever giving a 30-year-old an eleven-year contract is a mistake 10 out of 10 times.'

So, what is next? Last year when I wrote the Story and Xander blogs, which you can read here and here and here, pretty laid out what ended up happening this offseason so far. What is my prediction this time? I believe that Red Sox ownership will give Bloom two years to build the team in his vision. I think they will give Devers a competitive offer to stay with the team long-term. Whether or not he decides to stay with the team reminds to be seen. Ownership will then use Devers not wanting to sign with their team as the catalyst for firing Bloom.