3 years agoXander Bogaerts finished the 2021 season with a .295/.370/.493 batting line to go along with 34 doubles, 23 home runs, 79 RBI, and five stolen bases over 144 games. Those numbers look solid but they're underwhelming when you consider his first half. The 29-year-old slashed .321/.385/.545 with 15 home runs, 51 RBI, and five stolen bases (85 games) prior to the All-Star break. A 30-100-10 campaign was within reach but he struggled in the second half with a .255/.347/.414 batting line, eight home runs, 28 RBI, and zero steals (59 games). He missed a handful of games with a nagging wrist injury and was placed on the COVID list in early September as well. The wrist issue likely bothered him and factored into his second-half struggles despite never being placed on the IL for it. He did produce the worst strikeout rate of his career (18.7%) but also put up a solid xBA (.279), xwOBA (.358), and xSLG (.467). He notched a 43% Hard Hit Rate, 9.7% Barrel Rate, and rock-solid 113.6 mph Max Exit Velocity as well. Bogaerts' counting stats have varied from year-to-year; he's only topped more than 24 homers once and 100 RBI just two times in his nine seasons. But while counting stats can have a wide range of outcomes for every player, he can be counted on to deliver near-elite rate stats (career .290/.353/.459). He also hits in the middle of a potent offense and will see plenty of run-producing opportunities. Bogaerts is currently being selected as the seventh shortstop off the board per NFC ADP, which makes him a solid option at the position if you miss out on the top tier.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller