MLB Rumors: Shocking Team At Forefront Of Xander Bogaerts Market

Boston Red Sox fans might be starting to get used to the fact that star shortstop Xander Bogaerts might be moving on in free agency. But will they be able to handle it if the Arizona Diamondbacks outbid them? 

MLB Insider Jon Morosi reports that the rebuilding D-Backs are actually "among the most serious Xander Bogaerts suitors." He notes that Arizona's executive vice president and general manager Mike Hazen was a longtime front office executive with the Red Sox, and has a history with Bogaerts. 

They had been mentioned recently as being "interested" in the 4-time All-Star, but a "most serious suitor"?

The Diamondbacks made a huge leap this past season, jumping from a 110-loss team in 2021 to a 74-88 record in 2022. 

They have a couple of frontline starting pitchers in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, and a glut of young outfield talent that they hope to dip into in trade talks to use to improve the team in other areas this offseason. Adding a premier shortstop like Bogaerts could advance the program significantly. 

But the D-Backs would have to fend off other top suitors, including perhaps the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs, in addition to the incumbent Red Sox. 

Something to keep an eye on as the Winter Meeting progress this week. 

 Photo: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports