Boston Red Sox: 3 regular season goals for Xander Bogaerts in 2019

2019 is a contract year for Xander Bogaerts, unless he signs sometime in spring training. This means we should get the best possible version of the Boston Red Sox shortstop.

Since 2014, after making his debut in 2013, Xander Bogaerts has been the full-time starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. 2019 should be no different, with Bogaerts again penciled in as the starter.

Could this year be the last season we see Bogaerts manning the middle of Boston’s infield?

His contract is up after the season and — with other free agents like Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, and Jackie Bradley Jr.— the Red Sox might have a tough choice ahead of them. It’s possible we may have to envision a future without the standout shortstop on the team.

Already there is debate on whether or not the Red Sox should keep Bogaerts beyond this season. (I stand in the affirmative camp). He plays hard, plays through injuries as needed, has produced regularly in his Boston career and has been a constant positive presence in the past five plus seasons. (Discounting some shoddy postseason play).

Postseason play aside, we’re here to talk about goals for Bogaerts in the 2019 regular season. Assuming nothing progresses in contract talks, Bogaerts will be playing for a big pay day in 2020. That alone can make a huge difference for some players in how a season plays out.

Bogaerts will be looking to duplicate a 2018 season in which he had one of his best seasons at the plate. Here are three regular season goals for the 2019 season.