Xander Bogaerts's instructions to his agent were simple and direct: "Get me the best deal we can get to stay here."
It did not take long before the 26-year-old shortstop and the Red Sox agreed on a six-year, $120 million contract extension to keep Bogaerts in a Boston uniform until 2025 (though there is an opt-out clause after 2022):
This is what I know. This is what I enjoy. I enjoy being here. I love the organization. A lot of young kids on the team, I want to be there to help and see them grow up — just like me.