MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting the Philadelphia Phillies are “believed to have real interest” in free agent shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
This “news” should come as no surprise.
The Phillies have been linked to Bogaerts for a while now. Bogaerts name routinely surfaced in trade speculation due to his relationship with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
Now Dombrowski can go after one of “his guys” without giving up players. If last offseason was any indication, Dombrowski should have a blank check to sign any player he wishes in free agency.
Related: Phillies Reportedly Linked to Free Agent Shortstops
Bogaerts opted out of his contract with Boston that would’ve paid him $20 million in 2023. The shortstop declined an extension with Boston early last season that would’ve seen is AAV jump to $22.5 million a year. He was seeking between $30-35 from the Red Sox.
MLB Trade Rumors contract calculations expect the 30-year old to receive a 8-year/$275 million deal worth an AAV of $34.3 million.
While Dombrowski likely has the blank check, it will be interesting to see if he goes in on a shortstop at that potential salary level when other comparable options —the younger Dansby Swanson and Carlos Correa— are still on the market.
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