The 2022 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings have begun, which means the MLB hot stove is about to heat up. Just two days in deals are starting to get done, and some explosive quotes have come out of San Diego.

On Tuesday, super agent Scott Boras held his annual meeting with the press at the Winter Meetings. One of the most popular topics of conversation of course was his client and arguably the top shortstop on the market, Xander Bogaerts.

When it came to the current state of Bogaerts’ relationship with the Red Sox, Boras didn’t pull any punches. “They have four-star ownership. They win and they pursue winning,” he said. “Every one understands the Sox without X are so-so.”

This isn’t the first time Boras has mentioned Red Sox ownership directly in relation to the Bogaerts negotiations. When asked back in May about a potential extension, he skipped right over chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and instead explained “I look forward to talking toJohn [Henry, Red Sox owner] and Tom [Werner, Red Sox chairman] about Xander after their season.”

After hearing the rest of what Boras had to say on Tuesday though, the chances of a Bogaerts return to Boston seem bleak. While Boras did say the Sox remain “engaged” on Bogaerts, they’re clearly not alone.

Boras let it be known that Bogaerts “has met with a host of teams” throughout free agency. “It’s been a real education for him the last month or so.” This comes after

News: Two sources say Xander Bogaerts has been meeting in person with interested teams this weekend and that the #RedSox have not made a competitive offer.

My question was: Have they screwed this up? The answer was yes.

Fixable? Maybe, but not looking very good right now.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 4, 2022?s=20&t=p5495TgUfSH4PAoAfAaKzw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reported that Bogaerts “has been meeting in person with interested teams this weekend and the Red Sox have not made a competitive offer.”

Following that report, some wondered if the Red Sox were simply waiting for Bogaerts to come back to them with his best offer, and give them an opportunity to match it. Boras put that idea to bed.

“We’re not the matching kind,” Boras explained. “We let teams know they have to assert, we don’t ever hold back from reaching an agreement with any team and certainly we don’t give market preference to anyone otherwise I think the free agent right would be damaged.”

These quotes come as the free agency market – especially at shortstop – is heating up. Trea Turner signed with the Phillies on Monday, perhaps upping the level of desperation for other teams looking to add a premium player at the position. The San Diego Padres are a team who have been linked to Bogaerts in the past, and reportedly had a ‘record-setting offer’ for Turner.

For now, the Bogaerts saga continues. But as each days goes on, it’s looking less and less like a return to Boston is in store for the 30-year-old four-time All-Star.

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 [email protected].