Rumor: Xander Bogaerts to Opt-Out of Contract with Red Sox

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts is one of the best in the business and if you ask him he's happy to see all the money being tossed around the MLB. It certainly sounds like he's looking to cash in on the fun and will be opting out of his current contract after the 2022 season.

Bogaerts met with the media recently and had this to say on the matter:

At that time when I signed, I knew I had some good years, but they weren't as good as they have been these last couple of years. I knew I was a good player, but I've taken it to another level since then. Obviously, I know I love the city, but you know how all those guys are getting paid and stuff like that. So when that time comes, we'll see what happens. It's very interesting. A lot of guys are getting what they deserve. We'll see what happens.

The 28-year-old is having a stellar season, and since signing his latest extension with the Bo Sox, he's slashing .310/.379/.542 with 55 HR and 16 stolen bases through 270 games over three seasons. Some stats even show Bogaerts as the best SS in the league and it's hard to argue.

With the amount of record setting money being thrown around you can't blame Bogaerts for wanting to be paid what he's worth. He'll have a keen eye on this upcoming offseason to set the tone for his contract as there's a number of SS who are up for new contracts including the likes of Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Marcus Semien and Javier Baez. 

Photo credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports