With the Red Sox four games out of .500 and seven games out of a playoff spot with just over a month to go in the regular season, many fans have already turned their attention to the upcoming offseason. It will be a crucial winter for the Red Sox, as they look to improve on what has proved to be an insufficient roster.

One of the biggest questions facing the Red Sox once the season ends is the future of shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The 29-year-old shortstop is expected to opt out of his contract following the season and test free agency.

On Wednesday, Bogaerts sat down with NESN’s Tom Carron before the Red Sox game. Their interview included questions about Bogaerts’ contract situation.

“When the season is over, anything can happen,” Bogaerts told Carron when asked if he plans on speaking with the Red Sox once he does enter free agency. “At this point, I’m really trying to get healthy back and just finishing off the season strong.”

Beyond that though, Bogaerts acknowledged that he hasn’t thought much about his contract during the season. Asked by Carron if the uncertainty this winter has been a distraction at all this season, Bogaerts replied. “for the most part of the season I’ve been pretty good at kind of handling that aspect. It’s obviously tough, it’s obviously not something you go through every day.”

“It’s obviously tough, it’s not something that you go through every day. As I said, it’s pretty much a first-time experience for me with that,” Bogaerts continued. “I’ve managed it pretty well. I even haven’t [thought] about going into September with like, 39 more games, you don’t know what’s going to happen, I haven’t even thought about one minute of that so far.”

If the Red Sox do want to bring Bogaerts back, it will likely take a significant investment. He’s expected to be one of the top shortstops and overall players on the market. His current contract that he is opting out of would pay him $20 million a year, while the top shortstops in free agency last year received deals worth $25 million to $35 million per year.

Of course, Bogaerts isn’t the only player the Red Sox likely have to pay this summer. Rafael Devers is entering his final year of arbitration. Players of his caliber rarely play on their third and final arbitration year, as teams don’t want to risk losing them in free agency for nothing. Instead, they’re usually signed to long-term contracts or traded.

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.