Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts may be the best shortstop in the majors.
It can be easy to overlook Xander Bogaerts amongst the plethora of stars on the Boston Red Sox. His greatness is often overshadowed by the bigger names on the team, especially in the lineup. Yet, he has still managed to establish himself as one of the best shortstops in the game.
In fact, it could even be argued that Bogaerts is the best offensive shortstop in the game today. A look at his numbers, and where he ranks over the last four plus seasons would lend credence to that argument.
Xander Bogaerts’ rankings among MLB shortstops, 2015-19:
— J.P. Long (@SoxNotes) June 5, 2019
.295 AVG – 1st
375 RBI – 1st
413 runs – 1st
164 doubles – 1st
760 hits – 1st
(min. 300 games at SS)
Bogaerts has certainly been recognized for his production. He has won two Silver Slugger awards, and was a part of the 2016 AL All Star squad. Yet, based on his totals since the beginning of 2015, he deserves more recognition than he has received thus far.
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Based on his 2019 campaign, Bogaerts could be in line for more accolades. Heading into Wednesday’s slate of action, he had posted an excellent .304/.383/.545 batting line, hitting 12 homers and 18 doubles. Bogaerts also leads the AL with 48 runs scored, a key part in the Boston lineup.
It has been Bogaerts, instead of the more renowned players like Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, that has been the best hitter in the Red Sox lineup. His 140 OPS+ is the best of anyone on the Red Sox roster with more than two plate appearances this season. Barring injury, a second All Star berth, at minimum, could be on the horizon.
2019 could be that breakout campaign for Bogaerts as well. Even though he is in his sixth full season in the majors, Bogaerts will be just 26 years old for the entirety of the regular season. He is about to enter his hypothetical prime, and may be ready to take that next step in his game.
Xander Bogaerts has been a key part of the Boston Red Sox lineup this season. He may just be getting started.