With free agency in full swing and the Winter Meetings officially upon us, it’s time to double down on predictions for where each of the remaining free agents will sign.
On Twitter, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi provided an interesting update on one of the top remaining free agents on the market, that being Xander Bogaerts.
According to Morosi, the Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged as a surprise suitor for the star shortstop.
An important thing to note is that when Bogaerts made his debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2013, Mike Hazen was a key member of the team’s front office.
Hazen is now the general manager of the Diamondbacks.
#DBacks among the most serious Xander Bogaerts suitors, as I mentioned today on @MLBNetwork. Bogaerts made his @MLB debut with the #RedSox while Mike Hazen was a top executive in Boston.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 5, 2022
How Bogaerts Fits With The D’Backs
This could play right into Arizona’s hands.
While their pitching is solid, consisting of top starters Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Madison Bumgarner, Arizona’s offense could use some improvement.
This is where Bogaerts comes in.
The 30-year-old hit for a .307 average in what could prove to be his final season in Red Sox threads.
He also hit 15 home runs during the regular season.
The Diamondbacks finished with a record of 74-88 and came in fourth place in the NL West, 37 games behind the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers.
Adding some firepower to their lineup could potentially have them on a path to contend in the near future.
The team already has a few solid pieces in Ketel Marte, Kyle Lewis, Seth Beer, Josh Rojas, and Christian Walker.
Bogaerts could potentially turn them into a dark-horse contender in 2023 as they seek to improve the team.
NEXT: Diamondbacks Add To Their Bullpen With An Intriguing Signing