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

Growing as a leader

Believe it or not, Bogaerts has become one of the elder statesman on the Boston Red Sox. While there are plenty of leaders to go around, Bogaerts will have an important role due to the man standing next to him in the infield.

Rafael Devers will likely be taking the fair share of starts at third. And a goal for Bogaerts will to be to mentor the third baseman.

This might not be as tangible to judge at season’s end as say looking at stats, but simply having the experience of Bogaerts should aid in Devers’ growth. This can range from offering words of wisdom on the field and in the dugout or to simply picking up Devers after a bad game.

Sometimes, it’s seeing little things like a quick pep talk or sharing a laugh on the bench that gives fans an insight to leadership. Bogaerts has the opportunity to take that next step in 2019 and, not that he hasn’t already, grow even more as a leader.