Pedro Oliveira
An infield would not be complete without a shortstop capable of fighting every ball that tries to cross the infield, as it is one of the most physically and athletically demanding positions. If the player who takes responsibility for this area of the diamond can also contribute greatly on offense, he is usually recognized as the team’s star without a doubt.
Presentamos la lista de los 5 mejores shortstops que van a dominar la Liga Americana en 2022, su trayectoria y actualidad.
5. Tim Anderson – Chicago White Sox
Earning his first All-Star Game selection in 2021, Anderson continued to showcase his consistent offense as the man at the top of the order for the White Sox franchise: A .309/.338/.469 line coupled with 17 homers, 61 RBIs, 94 runs scored, 29 doubles and 18 stolen bases in 25 attempts, all numbers achieved through 123 games played.
Anderson has been able to maintain a high batting average even though his on-base percentage remains one of the worst in the MLB. As long as the Chicago leadoff man continues to deliver for the Tony La Russa’s team, we won’t see anyone else taking his place in the 2022 season.
4. Javier Baez – Detroit Tigers
He is the brand new acquisition of the organization that belongs to the American League Central Division. He is what the Detroit franchise needed, a star who could provide what the Puerto Rican produces both with the lumber and on the diamond. Javier Baez signed with the Tigers for 6 years and for $140 million, which at 29 years old is already a commitment for almost the rest of his career with the team.
The Puerto Rican had a year of ups and downs in 2021, but he put together a solid season, finishing the year hitting .265/.319/.494 along with 31 homers, 87 RBIs, 80 runs scored, 18 doubles and 18 stolen bases in 23 attempts through 138 games played and shared between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets.
3. Bo Bichette – Toronto Blue Jays
The young Blue Jays star completed one of the most solid campaigns in all of the MLB at just 23 years of age. After his first full MLB season, the shortstop put together a .298/.343/.484 line, hitting 29 home runs, 30 doubles, 102 RBIs, 121 runs scored and 25 stolen bases in 26 attempts.
This elite-level display by the young Orlando native secured him his first All-Star Game appearance. With the departure of teammate Marcus Semien to the Texas Rangers, Bichette will have to take on a role with much more weight and pressure from the Canadian organization, to either repeat or to even improve on his numbers in 2022, which will be his second full campaign at the top level of world baseball.
2. Corey Seager – Texas Rangers
The former Los Angeles Dodgers star would leave the team as a free agent for the first time in his career, signing the largest contract in Texas Rangers history: a 10-year, $320 million pact (surpassing the one the franchise signed with Alex Rodriguez in 2000) that comprises Seager’s career until he becomes 37 years old.
In a season interrupted by his right hand getting broken after being hit by a pitch, Corey completed 95 games with a .306/.394/.521 line, along with 16 homers, 57 RBIs, 54 runs scored, 22 doubles and 3 triples.
Seager is one of the best defenders at the shortstop position, in addition to having one of the most consistent bats, known for showing up in all the major league’s big moments. Texas’ signing is a statement that they are going all-in for the crown,after having added star and second baseman: Marcus Semien. 2022 could be a stellar year for Seager if he can stay healthy.
1-. 1. Xander Bogaerts – Boston Red Sox
Bogaerts may not be the shortstop with the best defensive ability in the majors, nor is he a bat capable of getting 50 balls out of the ballpark in a season, but he is a true leader on and off the diamond for a team that, with his consistency at the bat, and great ability to never be absent, knows what it’s like to win championships with different teams.
The Aruba native had another solid campaign in 2021, hitting .295/.370/.493 with 23 homers, 79 RBIs, 90 runs scored and 34 doubles. These numbers would be enough to earn him his third All-Star Game appearance, and his fourth Silver Slugger.
At 29 years old, Xander will once again star on a Boston squad that was able to get into the postseason against everyone’s predictions, but that will need a little more help to advance to the Octoberfest.
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