Xander Bogaerts sure has the look of a breakout candidate for the Boston Red Sox.
It was easy to see last season that Bogaerts was overmatched at times at the major league level, and it’s even easier to see this spring that the 22-year-old shortstop could be in line for a significant Year 2 jump. Bogaerts drilled his second home run of spring training Sunday in Boston’s 6-3 win over the New York Mets at Tradition Field, continuing what has been a very encouraging camp thus far.
Spring training statistics really don’t mean much (most of them, at least). So even if Bogaerts, who’s now 3-for-8 with six RBIs in two Grapefruit League games, sets the world on fire before Opening Day, it’s important to keep everything in perspective and understand he’s still very young and still very prone to growing pains. But it’s hard to not be impressed by how Bogaerts’ preparation is taking shape.
Bogaerts worked out at the EXOS performance institute (formerly the Athletes’ Performance institute) in Phoenix over the offseason. He also stopped by Dustin Pedroia’s nearby Arizona crib to work alongside the veteran second baseman. It’s apparent the Red Sox’s former top prospect wasn’t satisfied with his lackluster rookie season and wants to silence his doubters with a strong sophomore campaign.
Bogaerts arrived at spring training in Fort Myers in great shape, but looking good and playing good are two entirely different stories. Fortunately for the Red Sox, Bogaerts already has begun to back up his increased comfort, his newfound confidence and his physical development — let’s call it “swagger” as a simple, all-encompassing term — with on-field results, whether it be in games or on the back fields at Fenway South.
There have been several points of emphasis for Bogaerts since the end of last season, many of which pertain to his defensive game, which clearly wasn’t a strong suit in 2014. He’s begun to hit on those points, exhibiting better first-step quickness and range.
Bogaerts’ glove work will remain a work in progress as he continues to develop as a player. His meal ticket, however, has been and always will be his offensive prowess. And while it’s still early in spring, he’s starting to show a more refined approach, both during batting practice and in live action.
Bogaerts’ first home run Thursday against the Minnesota Twins was an absolute bomb to straightaway center field: A positive in that he showed an ability to drive the ball up the middle. Bogaerts, like many players, is at his best when he’s using all fields.
His second homer Sunday against the Mets was a lined shot to left field on a pitch located down in the zone: A positive in that he stayed back on a breaking ball. Bogaerts struggled with offspeed offerings in that location last season, but he showed no signs of flailing in going deep off Mets pitcher Hansel Robles.
One shouldn’t assume Bogaerts is going to enter the American League MVP picture this season solely because he seemingly has figured some things out after a rollercoaster 2014. It could take time for the pride of Aruba to reach his full potential at the big league level.
But one also shouldn’t assume last season’s inconsistency is in any way a reflection of him as a player.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
