Xander Bogaerts' Friend on Star's Red Sox Future: 'He's Going to Leave'

It appears that the Red Sox have a new player.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post was told by a friend of Bogaerts that he would decline his $20 million player option after the 2022 season.

It's no surprise that this news came as a surprise, as it's been reported that he would get $30 million in 2026 if he didn't extend his contract. Heyman said that a friend of Bogaerts called the offer a slap in the face.

It was always expected that he would decline his player option in favor of a new deal.

Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor andCorey Seager are just a few of the players who make more than $30 million per year.

Someone who is in a contract year is playing like that. The 29-year-old has been one of Boston's best hitters this season, slashing.354/.408/.500 with eight doubles, two home runs and 10RBI in 25 games.

The native of Aruba has helped the club win two World Series titles and earned three All-Star selections. He finished fifth in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.

It is not hard to see why the Red Sox front office would not be willing to pay him at least $30 million per year for the rest of his life. Boston signed a six-year, $140 million contract with second baseman Trevor Story, who could easily switch back to his natural position in three years.

According to Jeff Passan, the Red Sox need to extend the contract of third baseman and 25-year-old star hitter Rafael Devers, who wants a deal worth more than $300 million.

Both situations are similar to what happened to Mookie Betts after the season. Boston was unwilling to sign the All-Star right fielder to a lucrative extension, and he ended up signing a 12-year, $365 million extension after a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.