Yankees’ Aaron Judge Plan B may stun Boston fans

Thursday December 1, 2022

Former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been linked to a lot of teams. The Dodgers, the Phillies, the Padres, the Cubs, and even the Diamondbacks are interested to have him. But MLB insider Buster Olney recently claimed that Bogaerts could join the Yankees, if Aaron Judge leaves New York.

ESPN’s Olney was recently on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast to discuss the Yankees’ chances of retaining Aaron Judge. He spoke about their backup plan in the event of the slugger’s possible leaving and it could leave any Red Soc fan cringing. He told:

“I think the versatility of Xander Bogaerts and Trea Turner make them more attractive for the Yankees, and I think Bogaerts because he’s going to be less expensive than Turner. It wouldn’t shock me if they don’t sign Judge I think he becomes their number one target.”

Olney didn’t just hint that the Yankees might be interested in Xander Bogaerts. Instead, he said that if the Yankees were unable to re-sign Aaron Judge, Bogaerts could become New York’s “number one target.”

Olney: Xander Bogaerts could be Yankees’ top target if they don’t sign Aaron Judge https://t.co/dPQ7wQaAo6 #RedSox pic.twitter.com/SuM57Qif2r
— WEEI (@WEEI) November 30, 2022

On Wednesday, there were a lot of rumors about Xander Bogaerts and his free agency. The San Diego Padres seem to have joined the race for the four-time All-Star, while Bogaerts’ agent, Scott Boras, denied another report that the shortstop had broken ties with the Boston Red Sox. According to him, the player has “not closed any doors on anyone,” which means that Bogaerts could go back to the team he’s been with for his whole 10 years in the major leagues.

But could that also mean that Xander Bogaerts could play for the New York Yankees, who are Boston’s biggest rival? One person who knows a lot about Major League Baseball thinks it would make sense for Bogaerts to play for the Yankees next season.

Olney says that if the Yankees end up going after Xander Bogaerts, who hit .307 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs last season, they would be doing more than just throwing a lot of money at a big name. New York thinks that the best middle infielder would be a good fit. Fans of the Red Sox would hate to see Bogaert sign with the team that is their biggest rival. Even though they re-signed Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Yankees still want a shortstop.

What do you think about Xander Bogaerts joining the Yankees? Leave your comment below.