Ortiz expects Red Sox to sign Bogaerts: We don't want another Mookie situation

Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz implored the team to re-sign homegrown star Xander Bogaerts on Friday.

"I expect them to come through and get this done," Ortiz said, according to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe. "We don't want another situation like Mookie (Betts). A guy like that, such a good player who goes about everything like a professional in a place like Boston, he's a keeper."

Betts, another player to come through Boston's system, never hit free agency, but the Red Sox traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers one year before he could test the open market after failing to extend him. The Dodgers and Betts later agreed to a 12-year, $356-million extension.

A two-time World Series champion with Boston, Bogaerts spent his entire 10-year career with the franchise, hitting .292/.356/.458 with 156 homers, 308 doubles, and 74 stolen bases. The four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger is coming off another strong campaign, posting an .833 OPS (131 OPS+) with 15 homers and eight steals over 150 games.

Bogaerts, 30, is considered one of the top available free agents and is competing for a contract alongside fellow superstar shortstops Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, and Dansby Swanson.

Rumors surfaced Wednesday that Bogaerts had severed ties with the Red Sox and would be signing elsewhere. However, team president Sam Kennedy rejected that notion and reaffirmed Boston's desire to bring him back, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

Early in the offseason proceedings, Bogaerts has reportedly drawn interest from the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins.