For the first time in nearly a decade, Xander Bogaerts is no longer under contract with the Boston Red Sox.
But, even though the four-time All-Star shortstop opted out of his contract, he’s not necessarily gone for good just yet.
The opt-out means that the Red Sox have to compete with other teams in free agency. Bogaerts could still end up re-signing with Boston if both sides come to an agreement.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said bringing Bogaerts back remains a top priority, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.