Bogaerts Pens Goodbye Letter To Red Sox Fans

As if the fans in Beantown needed another reminder, their former anchor and team leader at shortstop, Xander Bogaerts, has posted a classy goodbye note to Boston Red Sox fans. The 4-time All-Star fled the BoSox after ten years, for the massive $280M offer the San Diego Padres put in front of him—over $100M more than the Red Sox offered. 

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In his Instagram post, Bogaerts addressed it to "Red Sox Nation":

"Thank you for an incredible ride (and what a ride it was)! 

"It was an honor to wear the Red Sox uniform and play in front of the best and most knowledgeable fans in baseball. There were some highs and lows but two World Series trophies during my time to celebrate with you all was absolutely incredible. 

"Thank you to the Red Sox for taking a chance on a young kid from the island of Aruba. Thank you to all the coaches, athletic trainers, managers and front office folks who I have crossed paths with over the course of 14 years. Every single one of you impacted my life in more ways than one and helped me develop into the player I am today. 

"And lastly, to every player that took the field with me in a Red Sox uniform, I say thank you. Thank you for being great teammates and friends. So many of you taught me what it means to be a professional on the field and off the field. Thank you Boston. Until we meet again.” 

No doubt there are some tears being shed in Boston. 

Bogaerts won a World Series in his rookie year with the Red Sox in 2013, and again in 2018. He was an All-Star in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022. He averaged .292 in his decade in Boston, with an .814 OPS. 

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