The offseason of the Boston Red Sox was very much a mixed bag.
The team signed some key pieces in Masataka Yoshida, Kenley Jansen, Adam Duvall, and Justin Turner.
However, they lost some important pieces as well, one of which was star shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres on an 11-year, $280 million contract.
On Friday, the Red Sox will face the veteran shortstop and two-time World Series champion for the first time since his departure.
On Twitter, a Red Sox analyst recalled an important moment in Bogaerts’ career, when the slugger picked up his first career hit at Dodger Stadium.
Xander Bogaerts will face the Red Sox for the first time tonight in San Diego. Here's a throwback to his first big league hit a decade ago in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/DIq28IY1uv
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) May 19, 2023
This moment of course took place 10 years ago.
That year, Bogaerts was a rookie and also proved to be a key factor in the Red Sox’s run to the World Series title.
Bogaerts won another ring with the Red Sox in 2018.
But for the first time, Bogaerts will be facing his old team.
The 30-year-old is currently hitting .275 with six home runs and 16 RBI.
He has also stolen four bases, is reaching base at a .374 clip, and has an OPS of .805.
Bogaerts won five Silver Slugger Awards during his time with the Red Sox.
He also was a four-time All-Star.
In 10 years with the team, Bogaerts had an average of .292 and hit 156 homers.
He also posted a .458 slugging percentage as a member of the Red Sox.
Boston will not only be facing Bogaerts, but will also see an old friend in right-hander Michael Wacha, who spent last season with the team.
Wacha will start on Sunday against the Red Sox.
NEXT: Red Sox Starter Is Drawing Comparisons To A Team Legend