BOSTON — After Sunday night’s win over the New York Yankees, the Red Sox are the new leaders of the American League East.
Of course, we realize it’s early May, and the Sox have played just 25 games. But given what Xander Bogaerts and his teammates have endured over the last two seasons, they’ll take victories wherever they can get them.
The 23-year-old shortstop has had a unique career arc, to say the least. Bogaerts made his Major League Baseball debut on Aug. 20, 2013, and won his first World Series ring just two months later. Yet that rapid ascension to baseball’s summit was followed by the Red Sox’s plummet to the AL East basement, where they spent 2014 and 2015 while winning just 149 games combined.
Bogaerts is hoping 2016 brings different results. Speaking to NESN.com on Monday at a photo shoot promoting the all-natural fruit drink WTRMLN WTR, Bogaerts didn’t hesitate when asked about his expectations for this Red Sox squad.
“Playoffs,” Bogaerts said. “My first year, I was in the World Series, and the last two years we’ve been in last place. I definitely know it’s not easy to get there, but once you get there, it’s definitely an exciting moment for yourself, your team, and also the fans around here. It’s something they deserve.”
Bogaerts has endured his own personal struggles. After batting .296 in the 2013 playoffs during Boston’s magical run, Bogaerts hit just .240 in 2014 during his first big league season. He bounced between his natural shortstop position and third base, committing 20 errors in 143 games.
“I’ve been through a lot,” Bogaerts said. “Especially my 2014 season — that was probably the toughest I ever had.”
Needless to say, Bogaerts has come a long way since his first full big league campaign. He posted a career-high .320 batting average last season, trailing only Miguel Cabrera for the highest in the AL, and was selected as a Gold Glove finalist after an excellent defensive season at shortstop.
“You’re going to get a lot of ups, a lot of downs,” Bogaerts said. “So, just try to stay even-keeled and do the best you can to try to help your team every night.”
The Aruba native has grown comfortable in Boston, both on and off the field. Bogaerts teamed up with WTRMLN WTR this spring and is helping to promote their “Seeding Change” campaign, which encourages consumers to replace sugary, artificial beverages with healthier options. He even stocked the Red Sox’s clubhouse with a few bottles for his teammates to try and swears by the drink to help keep him hydrated during the 162-game grind of an MLB season.
Bogaerts and the Red Sox know there’s a long way to go before the postseason. But fresh off Boston’s seventh win in eight games and a 3-for-5 performance at the plate, the shortstop admitted there’s plenty of good vibes to go around.
“Winning brings a lot of happiness,” he said. “(There’s) a lot of energy in the clubhouse.”
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
