Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts Expresses Skepticism over Christian Vazquez Trade

Erin Walsh

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts expressed skepticism about the direction of the franchise following the team's decision to trade catcher Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros on Monday.

"I wouldn’t say we got better because we lost [Vazquez]," Bogaerts told reporters Tuesday.

On Monday, John Tomase of NBC Sports Boston reported that players within the organization were frustrated about the lack of moves to address the club's "obvious holes."

It's no surprise Bogaerts was disappointed by the loss of Vazquez. The two had played in Boston together since the 2014 season.

Vazquez, one of the better offensive catchers in baseball, was also having a solid 2022 campaign, slashing .282/.327/.432 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 84 games. However, he was a candidate to be dealt, as his contract is up after this season.

Since trading Vazquez, the Red Sox have acquired first baseman Eric Hosmer from the San Diego Padres and catcher Reese McGuire from the Chicago White Sox. They also brought in outfielder Tommy Pham from the Cincinnati Reds.

While Hosmer is certainly viewed as an upgrade over Franchy Cordero and Bobby Dalbec at first, he doesn't necessarily make Boston any better.

The 32-year-old is slashing .272/.336/.391 with eight home runs and 40 RBI in 90 games this season.

McGuire, meanwhile, is a downgrade from Vazquez behind the plate. The 27-year-old is also hitting .225/.261/.285 with 10 RBI in 53 games.

The Red Sox enter Tuesday's game against the Astros last in the AL East with a 52-52 record. However, they are six games behind the second-place Toronto Blue Jays and just three games behind the third-place Tampa Bay Rays. They are also three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot.

With the opportunity to still make the playoffs, it's no surprise Bogaerts is concerned about the direction of the organization.

That said, it wouldn't be surprising to see the star shortstop exit in free agency this winter. He is expected to decline his player option for the 2023 campaign in pursuit of a larger contract, and even if Boston offers him a better deal, he could leave if he feels the organization isn't built to win.

Bogaerts has spent his entire 10-year career with the Red Sox and has been one of the team's best players since his first full season in 2014.

   

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