Apr 7, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (43) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Ex-Red Sox Xander Bogaerts returns to Fenway Park for first time since signing with Padres
Bogaerts was seen meeting with Alex Cora, Sam Kennedy, and Ceddanne Rafaela on the field before Friday’s game.
For the first time as a San Diego Padre, Xander Bogaerts stepped foot inside Fenway Park on Friday.
The former longtime Boston shortstop won’t be competing against the Red Sox this weekend as he recovers from a shoulder fracture he sustained last month. However, Bogaerts, who played in Boston for the first decade of his MLB career, opted to make the trip with his teammates to his old stomping grounds.
The 31-year-old was asked about his decision to leave the Red Sox and sign with the Padres in Dec. 2022 for a massive 11-year, $280 million contract while speaking with reporters ahead of Friday’s game.
“I’m happy and I feel like they’re happy also,” Bogaerts said. “I’m very happy with the decision I made, to be honest. San Diego is one of the best cities that you can have.”
He also said that there’s no love lost between him and the Red Sox following his decision to sign elsewhere two offseasons ago.
“I’m very appreciative of them. Players, coaches, front office was always really nice to me and my family and I really don’t have no hard feelings at all toward them,” he said.
