Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Xander Bogaerts

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Xander Bogaerts made an impact.

Xander Jan Bogaerts is a professional baseball shortstop and second baseman currently playing for the San Diego Padres of MLB. Previously, he played for the Boston Red Sox. He also represents the Netherlands national team in international competitions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Signed by Red Sox

In 2009, Xander Bogaerts was signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Red Sox.

2009: Scouted and Signed

In 2009, at age 16, Xander Bogaerts was scouted by Mike Lord of the Boston Red Sox and subsequently signed to a contract with a $410,000 signing bonus.

2010: Professional Debut

In 2010, Xander Bogaerts made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League (DSL), achieving a .314 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .423 slugging percentage while leading the DSL Red Sox in multiple offensive categories.

2011: Baseball World Cup Win

In 2011, Bogaerts played for the Dutch national team in the Baseball World Cup, which they won.

2012: Class AA and All-Star Futures Game

In 2012, Bogaerts played in Class A and with the Portland Sea Dogs of the Class AA Eastern League, and was named to the All-Star Futures Game.

2013: Previous World Series Victory

Bogaerts was also on the Red Sox Roster when they won the World Series in 2013.

2013: MLB Debut and World Series

In 2013, Bogaerts made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.

2013: World Baseball Classic

In 2013, Bogaerts played for the Dutch national team in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

2014: Starting Shortstop

In 2014, Bogaerts became the starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox.

2014: Starting Shortstop and Position Changes

In 2014, Bogaerts began as the starting shortstop for the Red Sox. He then shifted to third base after the Red Sox re-signed Stephen Drew on June 2, before returning to shortstop when Drew was traded on July 31.

2015: Breakout Season and Silver Slugger

In 2015, Bogaerts led the Red Sox with a .320 average, finished second in the AL batting title race, and won the American League's Silver Slugger Award for shortstop.

2016: All-Star and Silver Slugger

In 2016, Bogaerts was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game and won his second Silver Slugger Award.

2017: World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Bogaerts participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) with the Dutch national team.

2018: Grand Slams and World Series Victory

In 2018, Bogaerts hit multiple grand slams and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.

2018: Second World Series

In 2018, Bogaerts won his second World Series championship with the Red Sox.

2019: Contract Extension and All-Star Selection

In 2019, Bogaerts signed a six-year contract extension with the Red Sox and was selected for the All-Star Game. He also recorded his 1,000th MLB career hit.

2020: Shortened Season Performance

During the shortened 2020 season, Bogaerts batted .300 with 11 home runs and 28 RBIs, leading all AL shortstops in home runs and RBIs.

2021: All-Star and Silver Slugger

In 2021, Bogaerts was named the AL starting shortstop for the All-Star Game and won his fourth Silver Slugger Award.

December 9, 2022: Signed with Padres

On December 9, 2022, Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres.

2022: Opt-Out Clause

In 2019, Xander Bogaerts's contract extension included an opt-out clause that he could exercise after the 2022 season, which he later did.

2022: Games Played Record and New Deal

In 2022, Bogaerts had the most games played at shortstop for the Red Sox and signed an 11-year deal with the San Diego Padres after the season.

2022: All-Star Selection and Silver Slugger Award

In 2022, Bogaerts was named to the AL All-Star Game roster and won his fifth Silver Slugger Award.

April 29, 2023: Home Runs in Four Countries

On April 29, 2023, Bogaerts became the first MLB player to hit home runs in four different countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.

2023: 2023 WBC Participation

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Bogaerts played for the Dutch team, achieving a .267/.353/.533 slash line but was eliminated due to a tiebreaker.

2025: Shortstop and Injured List

For the 2025 season, Bogaerts played mainly at shortstop. On August 27, 2025, he fractured his left foot and was placed on the injured list, later returning on September 23.