While the Red Sox are loaded with gifted young players (Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr.), shortstop Xander Bogaerts was a widely renowned talent internationally before joining Boston in the major leagues. Born in Aruba, Bogaerts displayed his abilities as a precision hitter while playing for the Dominican Summer League Red Sox. Once Bogaerts joined the Boston Red Sox in the majors, it became readily apparent that the cerebral shortstop was a natural and had the potential to be one of the most versatile infielders in baseball. Given Bogaerts’ strong work ethic and proven abilities, the question remains of how much is the consistent playmaker actually worth?
Xander Bogaerts’ Net Worth as of 2017: $5.8 Million
How did the dynamic shortstop get there? And how have his crucial accomplishments enabled him to garner this type of wealth? Let’s find out.
2013-2015
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After starting the season with the Portland Sea Dogs of the Class AA Eastern League in 2013, Bogaerts was quickly promoted to the Pawtucket Red Sox of the Triple-A International League. After a brief stint in Pawtucket, Bogaerts made his debut with the Boston Red Sox on August 20th against the San Francisco Giants. Despite playing in just 18 major league games, Bogaerts was able to display his defensive and hitting abilities throughout his time with the Red Sox, which earned him a place on the 25-man active roster for the MLB postseason. In 12 postseason games, Bogaerts had a strong showing as he batted .296 with two RBI’s and ultimately assisted the Red Sox in winning their eighth World Series title in franchise history.
Coming into the 2014 season, Bogaerts was named the starting shortstop for the defending champion Boston Red Sox. While Bogaerts’ batting statistics were not flashy, he proved to be a valuable asset on defense as he had a fielding percentage of .975. Although the Red Sox missed the postseason and finished last in the AL East, Bogaerts was able to prove his worth on the field defensively and would go on to have a phenomenal year offensively next season.
Statistically, 2015 was Bogaerts’ best season to date by far. His batting average improved from .240 to .320 (second only to Miguel Cabrera for the AL batting title) while raising his on base percentage (.297 to .355). As a result of his batting prowess throughout the season, Bogaerts was awarded with the Silver Slugger award for his position. To top it off, Bogaerts’ defensive abilities were also deservedly recognized as he was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award at shortstop.
He reportedly earned $543,000 in 2015.
2016-Present
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In 2016, Bogaerts finally reached his potential as a prolific and precise power hitter. He finished the season with a .446 slugging percentage and 21 home runs (both career highs). Bogaerts’ patience at the plate was also mightily improved as he was walked a career high 58 times (was walked 32 times the previous season).
Thus far in the 2017 season, Bogaerts is on pace to outperform his impressive showing from last year. He has a exceptional on base percentage of .371 and is consistently making contact with the ball as his batting average currently stands at .319.
Although Bogaerts is only 24, his contributions to the talent laden Boston Red Sox franchise have not gone unnoticed. From his overlooked defensive attributes to his nearly unwavering consistency at the plate, Bogaerts has already established himself as a beloved athlete that constantly contributes to his team winning games. Given what the young shortstop has already accomplished, it seems inevitable that the intelligent and athletic major league star will only become more proficient as a all-round sensational baseball player.
He reportedly earned $4.5 million in 2017.
