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Red Sox: Predicting Boston’s 2022 Opening Day staring lineup

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 11: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after winning game four of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 11: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after winning game four of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox Wild Card Xander Bogaerts
Oct 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of the American League Wildcard game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox SS: Xander Bogaerts

The man, the myth, the legend, and the uncrowned Captain of the Boston Red Sox. Xander Bogaerts is the definition of a homegrown talent that worked to become a superstar. On a daily basis, I have to shake my head that this man doesn’t get the credit that he does for being as good as he is. Whenever the conversation about shortstops makes its rounds it always feels like Xander is left off the list of the best in the league.

Xander has been the foundation of this team since his debut in 2013 and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. He’s got two rings to his name along with three All-Star nods and four Gold Gloves. I have zero issues admitting that he isn’t the strongest in the defensive department of the game but what he does with his bat more than makes up for it.

Bogey has the ability to opt-out of his current contract after this season and it feels like he more than likely will. Reports from early in the offseason made it seem like he wants to opt-out in order to get himself a more player-friendly deal and eventually retire with the Red Sox. His last contract was very favorable to the organization and with the rate for shortstops skyrocketing, it’s time to pay the X-Man.

It’s hard to dislike Xander and I would be pressed to find someone that actually does. He’s not perfect and he may not make every play, but it isn’t for a lack of effort or desire. I want to see him play every game of his career in Boston and eventually hang his cleats up at Fenway Park. As far as I’m concerned, he can call shortstop home for as long as he wants.

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