A handful of star shortstops are set to become free agents this winter. Boston Red Sox veteran Xander Bogaerts will be one of them after opting out of his contract.
Boston's homegrown shortstop should command a hefty deal on the open market after adding a fourth All-Star campaign to his résumé. If the Red Sox fail to re-sign Bogaerts, they could have second baseman Trevor Story move over to take his place at shortstop. If they prefer to keep Story at second, they could replace Bogaerts with another one of the star shortstops available in free agency.
More MLB Free Agents: Top 25 overall | Top 10 SP | Top 5 RP | Top 10 OF | Top 5 C | Top 5 1B | Top 5 2B | Top 5 3B
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So, who would be the top options? Here's a look at the top five shortstops set to hit the market.
1. Trea Turner
Age: 29
Turner does just about everything well. The two-time All-Star hit .328 in 2021 to win the National League batting title and has twice led the NL in stolen bases. His unique blend of contact, power and blazing speed on the bathpaths will make him one of the most coveted free agents ahead of the 2023 season.
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UPDATE (Dec. 5): Turner and the Phillies reportedly are in agreement on an 11-year, $300 million contract.
2. Xander Bogaerts
Age: 30
Bogaerts opted out of his Red Sox contract to become a free agent for the first time in his career. Wherever he signs, he'll earn a pretty penny as his 2022 season has been one of his best. The two-time World Series champion leads the American League with a .315 batting average and boasts a .848 OPS through 130 games.
UPDATE (Dec. 8): Bogaerts reportedly has agreed to an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres that will keep him in San Diego through through his age-40 season.
3. Carlos Correa
Age: 28
Correa has opted out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins. After failing to find a long-term deal last winter, the two-time All-Star will hope to land one this time around after another solid season.
UPDATE (Dec. 13): Correa is headed to the San Francisco Giants on a massive 13-year contract, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
4. Dansby Swanson
Age: 29
Swanson's last three seasons with the Atlanta Braves have been the best of his career. As a result, the 2021 World Series champion has positioned himself for a big payday along with the other star shortstops in the free agent class. Swanson earned his first All-Star nod this year and is slashing .284/.340/.444 with 18 homers and 80 RBI through 137 games.
5. Jose Iglesias
Age: 33
Iglesias spent the 2022 season with the Colorado Rockies after a brief second stint in Boston. The slick-fielding veteran shortstop hit .292 with three homers and 47 RBI in 118 games.