Don’t expect Xander Bogaerts and the Red Sox to come to an agreement on a new deal any time soon.
Just ask Bogaerts himself: On Thursday, speaking to reporters, the star shortstop was asked specifically if he expects a deal prior to the start of the season on Friday.
“No,” he said flatly. “No.”
The Red Sox did make him an offer, Bogaerts said, but it didn’t reach his expectations. ESPN’s Joon Lee reported that Bogaerts wanted to be paid in line with some of the biggest contracts handed out to the top shortstops in MLB — something in the range of $30 million per year.