BOSTON — Longtime Red Sox star Xander Bogaerts shared a farewell message to Boston on Monday morning after signing a multi-year contract with the San Diego Padres earlier this month, calling the success he had with the team during his 10-year run “absolutely incredible.”
In an Instagram, the beloved shortstop wrote, “Dear 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 Boston. Until we meet again!”
Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres on Dec. 8, effectively bringing his career in Boston to an end after helping bring the team secure a pair of World Series victories in 2013 and 2018.
The Red Sox offered Bogaerts a one-year, $30 million extension on top of the three years that were remaining on his deal, according to ESPN. Sources told ESPN that Bogaerts likened that offer to a “slap.”
“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,” Bogaerts added.
The “X-Man” also made a point to thank all of the players he took the field with over the years.
“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,” Bogaerts said.
During his tenure in Boston, Bogaerts posted a batting average of .292, clubbed 156 home runs, drove in 683 runs, and tallied 1,410 hits, in addition to the immaculate defense he played.
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