I would not advise getting hopes up right now, because the earlier reports were pretty darn convincing that something was going to happen between the Red Sox and their long-time shortstop, Xander Bogaerts. But maybe there’s still a chance that he can be among the options for the Cubs.
From Jon Heyman just now:
RIGHT NOW. The talks are still happening. Please stay active …
Now, then. You must keep in mind that, if Bogaerts really wanted to stay with the Red Sox and just wanted to squeeze as much as he could out of them, then it would be to his advantage to keep hope alive with the other teams juuuust a little longer. To get that extra year or extra million of AAV or that extra opt out or whatever.
But maybe there are still legit talks going on, and maybe Bogaerts can be one of THREE shortstop options still remaining for the Cubs.
Ignore that part about six teams still being in the market for those three shortstops, because I don’t love that math.
Stay tuned.