Are the Red Sox looking to make a major infield upgrade?

It’s been a few years since the Red Sox made a blockbuster free agency signing. Heading into 2022, is the team looking to make a splash?

That could be the case, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. On Tuesday, Heyman tweeted out that the Red Sox are among a handful of teams “at least gauging the SS market” ahead of free agency. This year’s free agency class has unprecedented talent at the shortstop position, highlighted by Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, and Marcus Semien.

If the Red Sox plan on pursuing a big money shortstop, it could mean one of two things for current shortstop Xander Bogaerts. First of all, Bogaerts has an opt-out in his contract after the 2022 season. The current expectation is for him to exercise that option, although he reportedly hopes to stay in Boston by working out a new long-term deal. Perhaps the Red Sox sense things trending the other way for the 29-year-old.

On the other hand, if Bogaerts does stay long-term, he’s reportedly open to a position change. The Red Sox don’t have a long-term plan in place at second base, and any of the five shortstops above would be a defensive upgrade over Bogaerts. He could shift to the other side of the infield and form a double play duo with whatever player the Red Sox sign.

“Gauging the market” is a long way from actually putting pen to paper, but if the Red Sox do want to pursue this strategy which shortstop should they prioritize? Here’s a closer look at their top five options…

• Corey Seager

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  Seager would provide the Red Sox with the kind of consistent bat they've lacked the last few seasons. He's hit over .300 in three of his five full major league seasons, including the last two. Spotrac projects the 27-year-old to be the highest paid of the five players, with an estimated market value of $31.8 million per year.

• Trevor Story

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  Story is coming off of a down year, and could be considered a relative value option. He hit .251 for the Rockies last year with an OPS of .801, his lowest since 2017. Still, Story has proven he has elite talent, and dealt with a mess of a situation last year in Colorado. A simple change of scenery could be enough to help him turn things around. Story turns 29 next week.

• Javier Baez

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  After a disappointing 2020 season, Baez bounced back in 2021 first with the Cubs, then later the Mets after being dealt at the trade deadline. He hit .265 with 31 home runs and 87 RBIs. In addition to his bat, Baez offers defensive versatility with experience playing both shortstop and second base. He'll turn 29 on Dec. 1.
• Marcus Semien

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  Following a relatively unproductive season in 2020, Semien was late to sign in free agency. The Red Sox were reportedly interested back then with the intent to move him to second base, but ended up going with Kiké Hernandez and Marwin Gonzalez instead. Semien instead ended up in Toronto, where he put together an All-Star year and even flirted with MVP contention early in the season. He finished with a career-high 45 home runs and 102 RBIs. Because of his age, Semien represent a more short-term option if the Red Sox are confident Jeter Downs or Nick Yorke will be ready soon to help their middle infield depth.

• Carlos Correa

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  After the way things went in the ALCS, it would be wild to watch Correa end up in Boston. He had arguably his best season in 2021, hitting .279 with 26 home runs and 92 RBIs while winning his first Gold Glove in the field. His all-around talent may be what the Red Sox need to get over the top. Having just turned 27 last month, Correa is also the youngest shortstop of the group.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.