WATCH: San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts Delivers Message to Boston Red Sox Fans
Xander Bogaerts remains a class act.
The San Diego Padres shortstop, who spent the first 10 years of his career with the Boston Red Sox, showed nothing but love to Boston and the Red Sox in comments made before Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves.
"I wish you guys nothing but the best this year. I know you guys have a new squad, new faces but still a lot of guys that are there for a while, wish you guys nothing but the best. The fanbase, you guys were great. Welcomed me in my tough times and my good times and all the best again."
Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres, ending his tenure in Boston after 10 years. It was a great ride in Boston for Bogaerts, who helped the Red Sox win the World Series in both 2013 and 2018.
He was a four-time all-star with the Red Sox and won five silver slugger awards. He also received MVP votes in five different seasons. The 30-year-old is a lifetime .292 hitter with a .356 on-base percentage.
This year, through the first seven games in San Diego, he's already hit three home runs and tacked on three doubles.
Bogaerts will get to see his old teammates early on this season when the Padres host the Red Sox on May 19-21.
Because of the balanced schedule, he'll get to make his return to Boston as a visitor in 2024.
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