Philadelphia Phillies Rumors: 4 marquee shortstops to pursue next winter

1. Philadelphia Phillies rumors: Xander Bogaerts is the best mix of everything Philadelphia needs

Xander Bogaerts shows up to work. This is a quality that cannot be understated in today’s baseball world where injuries seem to strike every player. Bogaerts’ season-low in games played during a full 162-game campaign is only 136. That year, he still managed to smash 23 home runs and drive in 103.

Bogaerts seems to be getting better, too. He isn’t the lighter-hitting infielder he was earlier on in his career. The career 162-game averages are a little unfair because of this. He is a doubles hitter more than anything and a guy who could see those numbers rise in Philadelphia.

The biggest negative about Bogaerts might be his defense. Depending on which statistics you measure most, he could be considered below-average. He’d still be an improvement over many of the others the Phillies have had at the position in recent years.

If the Phillies felt the need to, they could always move Bogaerts to second base or third base and solve the shortstop position with someone else. It probably won’t happen in year one, though. Bogaerts wants to get paid like a shortstop and someone will give him that money.

Because Bogaerts can drive in runs without the home run, he fits in well with what the Phillies seem to be missing. They are hyper-focused on going yard. Bogaerts would bring a little more small ball to the offense as someone who can hit anywhere from first to third and have a major impact.

To become available, Bogaerts will first need to opt-out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox. It’s expected that he will.