Xander Bogaerts, the No. 1 prospect in the Red Sox’ organization, is starting to garner more and more recognition among the Boston fan base. It might not be long before he’s recognized on the global stage.
According to ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes, Bogaerts, a native of Aruba, is likely to represent Team Netherlands in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Bogaerts, who was on the Netherlands squad that upset Cuba in the 2011 Baseball World Cup, has quickly climbed the ladder in the Red Sox’ system, and he’s now considered to be the franchise’s shortstop of the future. Bogaerts played in 127 total games split between High-A and Double-A last season, and he hit .307 with 20 home runs, 81 RBIs and an .896 OPS.
Some have speculated that Bogaerts could eventually shift from shortstop to third base, a position generally more conducive with the 20-year-old’s 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame, but there’s no indication yet that the Red Sox are leaning in that direction.
Tune in to the Red Sox Town Hall on NESN at 11 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Photo via Facebook/Xander Bogaerts
