Xander Bogaerts has officially opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, allowing him to hit free agency for the first time in his career.

The Red Sox still hold exclusive negotiating rights with Bogaerts through Thursday.

Chaim Bloom reiterated Monday night that retaining Bogaerts would be the club's ideal choice for addressing shortstop.

"We want him here. He makes us better," Bloom said. "We respect his right to exercise [the opt-out] and to explore the market. We want him back and we will stay engaged with him."