San Diego Padres Xander Bogaerts breaking out at the right time..
After a slow start, his bat has come alive.
The San Diego Padres may have found themselves a consistent run-producer in the middle of their batting order. No, we are not talking about Jackson Merrill or Manny Machado.
Enter Xander Bogaerts, who has been described as a “big money free agent bust” by the Friar Faithful. But 2025 has brought a different tone to his game.
Bogaerts’ bat has lit up Petco Park
So, what has changed after a dreadful start to the season? Gone is the unsettledness in the batter’s box. There is a state of calmness, as Bogaerts understands his limitations at the plate like he never did before.
He has transformed into his former self. From 2015 through 2019, Bogaerts was one of the top run-producing shortstops in baseball. He averaged over 90 RBIs during this period. The stroke has come back with a vengeance.
His swings have become more tight and efficient. No longer is he chasing outside pitches that drift out of the strike zone. Now, Bogaerts patiently waits to turn on an inside pitch. The results have been hard-hit balls to the left-field gap for extra-base hits.
Keep an eye on his OBP as it is climbing; currently at .333. He has shown more patience at the plate. Bogaerts already has 16 walks and should surpass last season’s 28 free passes before the All-Star break. It might be unrealistic to think he could break his career mark of 76 base-on-balls with the Boston Red Sox in 2019.
How long can this hot streak last?
The question no one wants to answer is how long this hot streak can last. Yes, a player’s season consists of several stretches of hot and cold streaks. While Bogaerts’ production may slow down, he cannot afford to have too many slumps that strand runners in scoring position. His bat is too valuable to the offense.
During this hot streak, Bogaerts is having good swings that force opposing pitchers to work harder in recording an out. His at-bats are getting better because he is controlling the strike zone. Bogaerts may not have multiple-hit games, but fewer hitless nights have become the norm.
Let’s not forget that the Padres were scuffling due to injuries as the makeshift lineup struggled to score runs. The offense needed a spark, and Bogaerts has responded to the call. The talent is there for his approach in the batter’s box to remain sustainable all season.
It is okay to get excited about Bogaerts. No one could have expected this version of him. The results may earn the Friars a postseason berth.
The San Diego Padres may have found themselves a consistent run-producer in the middle of their batting order. No, we are not talking about Jackson Merrill or Manny Machado.
Enter Xander Bogaerts, who has been described as a “big money free agent bust” by the Friar Faithful. But 2025 has brought a different tone to his game.
Bogaerts’ bat has lit up Petco Park
So, what has changed after a dreadful start to the season? Gone is the unsettledness in the batter’s box. There is a state of calmness, as Bogaerts understands his limitations at the plate like he never did before.
He has transformed into his former self. From 2015 through 2019, Bogaerts was one of the top run-producing shortstops in baseball. He averaged over 90 RBIs during this period. The stroke has come back with a vengeance.
His swings have become more tight and efficient. No longer is he chasing outside pitches that drift out of the strike zone. Now, Bogaerts patiently waits to turn on an inside pitch. The results have been hard-hit balls to the left-field gap for extra-base hits.
Keep an eye on his OBP as it is climbing; currently at .333. He has shown more patience at the plate. Bogaerts already has 16 walks and should surpass last season’s 28 free passes before the All-Star break. It might be unrealistic to think he could break his career mark of 76 base-on-balls with the Boston Red Sox in 2019.
How long can this hot streak last?
The question no one wants to answer is how long this hot streak can last. Yes, a player’s season consists of several stretches of hot and cold streaks. While Bogaerts’ production may slow down, he cannot afford to have too many slumps that strand runners in scoring position. His bat is too valuable to the offense.
During this hot streak, Bogaerts is having good swings that force opposing pitchers to work harder in recording an out. His at-bats are getting better because he is controlling the strike zone. Bogaerts may not have multiple-hit games, but fewer hitless nights have become the norm.
Let’s not forget that the Padres were scuffling due to injuries as the makeshift lineup struggled to score runs. The offense needed a spark, and Bogaerts has responded to the call. The talent is there for his approach in the batter’s box to remain sustainable all season.
It is okay to get excited about Bogaerts. No one could have expected this version of him. The results may earn the Friars a postseason berth.
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