Xander Bogaerts couldn’t crack the American League roster for the All-Star Game, but he did earn an end-of-season All-Star honor Wednesday.
The Boston Red Sox shortstop was named to Sporting News’ AL All-Star team, the publication announced.
Bogaerts and the rest of the All-Stars were selected before the playoffs by a panel of 22 AL executives. He edged out Houston Astros rookie Carlos Correa as well as Jose Iglesias of the Detroit Tigers at the shortstop position.
The 23-year-old Bogaerts enjoyed a breakout season, hitting .320 to go along with a .776 OPS in 156 games for the Red Sox. He also hit seven home runs, drove in 81 runs and stole 10 bases during the 2015 campaign. Additionally, Bogaerts showed incredible improvement at shortstop, where his fielding percentage improved from the 2014 season, and he nearly cut his errors in half in the process.
Bogaerts narrowly missed being selected to the All-Star Game in July. He was part of the Final Vote but came up short in the fan-voting contest.
Here’s the rest of the Sporting News AL All-Star lineup.
C: Brian McCann (Yankees)
1B (tie): Miguel Cabrera (Tigers), Chris Davis (Orioles)
2B: Jason Kipnis (Indians)
3B: Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays)
SS: Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox)
OF: Mike Trout (Angels)
OF: Jose Bautista (Blue Jays)
OF: Lorenzo Cain (Royals)
DH: Nelson Cruz (Mariners)
SP: Dallas Keuchel (Astros)
RP: Dellin Betances (Yankees)
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
