XANDER BOGAERTS

There are free-agent shortstops with more power, speed and defense. But Xander Bogaerts' elite hit tool and dependability make him the safest option.

The 2022 free-agent class is loaded with impact bats, including Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. We rank the top 20 and project potential team fits.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo became a free agent again when he declined his $16 million option with the New York Yankees for 2023.

This year's group of MLB free agents features superstar hitters like Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa and ace pitchers like Justin Verlander. FOX Sports ranks the top 30.

LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Rodón turned down player options Monday, joining a free agent market that includes Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson. Bogaerts, 30, agreed to a $120 million, six-year deal with Boston that gave the shortstop the right to terminate the contract after 2022. San Diego outfielder Jurickson Profar turned down a $6.5 million option for a $1 million buyout, making his deal worth $13.5 million over two years. He hit .243 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs. Padres right-hander Robert Suarez turned down a $5 million option for a $1 million buyout, ending his contract after one year and $6 million.

Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Rodón turned down player options, joining a free agent market that includes Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson.

The Philadelphia Phillies hope their run to the World Series is just the start of a championship window.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Aaron Judge, Edwin Díaz, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts were among 131 players who became free agents on Sunday as baseball's business season began just hours after the final out of the World Series. Judge rejected a contract offer from the New York Yankees in April that would have paid $213.5 million from 2023-29. Teams have until Thursday to make $19.65 million qualifying offers to their former players who became free agents. Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only eight of 110 offers have been accepted. Washington left-hander Sean Doolittle became the first free agent to reach an agreement, staying with the Nationals on a minor league contract.

Aaron Judge, Edwin Díaz, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts were among 131 players who became free agents as baseball’s business season began just hours after the final out of the World Series.

Rafael Devers wants a megadeal from the Boston Red Sox, but at the moment, they are not willing to give that to the 26-year-old homegrown star.

The Boston Red Sox could look a lot different with three of their stars due for free agency soon, but Pedro Martinez has urged the front office to keep them.

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is not in the lineup for Game 162 despite his chance at the Triple Crown. This ho hum pattern isn't hurting the Yankees — Judge is reaching base, after all — but it's not helping his Triple Crown hopes. For the first time since summiting the batting average leaderboard, Judge fell behind with a frustrating 0-for-4 against the Boston Red Sox Saturday. Fortunately for the Judge partisans, Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts's batting average fell even further on an 0-for-5 night. The Yankees and Red Sox begin a four-game series on Thursday in the Bronx.

62, and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is still chasing a Triple Crown going into Game 162. This ho hum pattern isn't hurting the Yankees — Judge is reaching base, after all — but it's not helping his Triple Crown hopes. Judge posted his first hitless game since Sept. 7, but it's not like the Red Sox gave him many chances. Fortunately for the Judge partisans, Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts's batting average fell even further on an 0-for-5 night. The Yankees and Red Sox begin a four-game series on Thursday in the Bronx.

It’s just that no one thought the one team left out of that group would be the Boston Red Sox. This year, the Red Sox will pay the luxury tax again — for a space in the cellar. The two best players on the Red Sox reside on the left side of the infield. The Red Sox presumably won’t pick up his $13 million team option, but he could exercise a $4 million player option. It’s the Red Sox.

Aaron Judge went homerless for the fourth straight game and remained one shy of Roger Maris’ American League record of 61 as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 7-5 to close in on their first AL East title since 2019.

Aaron Judge was held without a homer for the third straight game, keeping him at 60 for the season and one shy of Roger Maris’ American League record, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4.

Aaron Judge fell a few feet short of a record-tying 61st homer, hitting a 404-foot drive caught just in front of the center field wall, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 on Josh Donaldson’s 10th-inning single to clinch their sixth straight playoff berth.

As if eclipsing 60 home runs wasn't enough, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is also chasing a Triple Crown. For much of the summer, the preeminent 2022 Triple Crown threat appeared to be St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Is Aaron Judge in line for the Triple Crown? Not that the Triple Crown will necessarily be decided, but it's going to be an interesting four days in the Bronx. 60 — and sparked a game-winning rally — Judge moved into the lead for the AL batting title for the first time.

Aaron Judge hit his 58th and 59th home runs of the season to move within two of Roger Maris’ American League record with 16 games remaining and lead the New York Yankees over the Milwaukee Brewers 12-8.

Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 56th and 57th home runs, Gleyber Torres had a go-ahead three-run double in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6.

BOSTON — (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 56th and 57th home runs of the season on Tuesday night. Judge, playing in New York's 142nd game, is four from tying the American League record Roger Maris set with the Yankees in 1961. Judge’s opposite-field solo drive to right field off Nick Pivetta in the sixth inning tied the game at 3-3. But Judge tied again in eighth, crushing a hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock over the Green Monster in left field. It also marked the 10th multi-homer game of the season, one shy of the AL record Hank Greenberg set in 1938, and 26th of Judge's career.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 56th and 57th home runs of the season.

Jorge Mateo lined a bases-loaded double to left field in the eighth inning, driving in three runs and sparking the Baltimore Orioles to a 5-3 win over the Boston Red Sox in front of hundreds of cheering Little League World Series players from around the world.

Anthony Santander hit one of the Orioles’ five homers and drove in four runs, and Baltimore outslugged the Boston Red Sox 15-10.

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Top Atlanta prospect Vaughn Grissom homered onto Lansdowne Street in his major league debut to lead the Braves to an 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

David Ortiz returned to Fenway Park for the first time as a newly minted Hall of Famer.

Washington star Juan Soto is sure to get asked about his near future during a three-game series at Dodger Stadium that starts Monday night.

The Baltimore Orioles are riding a 10-game winning streak, they’re contending for a wild-card spot, and they’re somehow still in last place in the AL East.

Jeter Downs’ bases-loaded blooper dropped in to break a sixth-inning tie as the Boston Red Sox scored nine unanswered runs to rally past the New York Yankees 11-6.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Josh Donaldson hit a three-run homer in a four-run first inning, Matt Carpenter homered among three hits in his first start in left field in a decade and the New York Yankees beat Boston 12-5 for their 10th win in their last 11 games against the Red Sox.

Justin Verlander looks to become the first 11-game winner in the majors when Houston hosts the last-place Royals in the finale of a four-game series Thursday afternoon.

Red Sox Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs' Nelson Velazquez, right, asks for time after second base, next to Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, July 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)BOSTON — (AP) — Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts will not be in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Tampa Bay after leaving a day earlier with a cut on his left thigh that required seven stitches. Manager Alex Cora said the three-time All-Star was “pretty sore.”“He texted me early. The Red Sox open a three-game series against the Rays before hosting the AL East-leading Yankees for a four-game series that starts Thursday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts will not be in the starting lineup for a game against Tampa Bay after leaving a day earlier with a cut on his left thigh that required seven stitches.

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto smiles as he stands on second during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Washington. Soto left Nationals Park to get an MRI. Bogaerts said he didn’t think Contreras meant to harm him, and he didn’t mean to block the base as Contreras was arriving. Bogaerts is hitting .318 going into Boston's series opener at Fenway Park against Tampa Bay. Cleveland lefty Konnor Pilkington (1-1, 4.31) starts the second game against RHP Alex Faedo (1-4, 4.84).

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto smiles as he stands on second during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Washington. Soto left Nationals Park to get an MRI. Bogaerts said he didn’t think Contreras meant to harm him, and he didn’t mean to block the base as Contreras was arriving. Bogaerts is hitting .318 going into Boston's series opener at Fenway Park against Tampa Bay. Cleveland lefty Konnor Pilkington (1-1, 4.31) starts the second game against RHP Alex Faedo (1-4, 4.84).

Washington star Juan Soto is being checked out after exiting a game early because of an injured left calf.

The Los Angeles Angels’ losing streak reached a franchise-record 14 games when Bobby Dalbec drove in the only run with a double in the sixth inning for the Boston Red Sox in a 1-0 victory.

The Los Angeles Angels matched a franchise record with their 13th straight defeat hours after firing manager Joe Maddon, falling 6-5 to the streaking Boston Red Sox on Christian Vázquez’s go-ahead single in the 10th inning.

Yankees pitching has been overwhelming early in games recently, and Jordan Montgomery will try to extend their dominance in an early tilt against the Tigers.

Luis Castillo struck out 10 while pitching six innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Boston 2-1 for their first victory at Fenway Park since Game 7 of the 1975 World Series.

Mariners Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Trevor Story looks to the dugout after hitting a grand slam against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, May 20, 2022, in Boston. Former Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes, a member of Boston's 2013 World Series champions, was seated atop the Monster. “My first grand slam as a Red Sox, that was something I thought was pretty special. Red Sox: To make room for Wacha, RHP Ryan Brasier was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. Red Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock (1-1, 2.43) is set to start.

Trevor Story hit a grand slam over the Green Monster and into the hands of a former Red Sox player a night after hitting three over Fenway Park’s fabled left field wall to leading Boston to a 7-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora shaved his beard before Tuesday night's game against the Braves, hoping a new vibe might help Boston snap its five-game losing streak.

Red Sox Blue Jays Baseball Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Toronto. Cora rejoined the Red Sox after missing the past six games because of COVID-19. Boston went 1-5 under bench coach Will Venable while Cora was away from the team. The AL leader in hits, Bogaerts tops baseball with seven games of three or more hits this season. Toronto reliever Trent Thornton (0-1) allowed two runs in one inning as the Blue Jays lost for the second time in eight games.

Kevin Gausman took a shutout into the ninth inning and Jordan Romano escaped with a save as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2.

Twins Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers, left, beats the tag from Minnesota Twins' Gio Urshela (15) at third base on a double by Xander Bogaerts during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Boston. ”I just wanted to make sure I got a good night's sleep because it was an early game today. Christian Vázquez hit a solo homer and Xander Bogaerts had three hits with an RBI for the Red Sox. Red Sox: INF Trevor Story had the day off. Red Sox: Open a three-game series against the Blue Jays in their first night game of the season at Fenway Park Tuesday.

Jorge Polanco and Kyle Garlick hit early two-run homers over the Green Monster to back Dylan Bundy, carrying the Minnesota Twins past the Red Sox 8-3 in Boston’s annual Patriots’ Day game.

Michael Wacha pitched five shutout innings in his Fenway Park debut with Boston and Trevor Story drove in his first two runs in his new home, leading the Red Sox to a 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Twins Red Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Joe Ryan pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, April 15, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Miguel Sanó hit a two-run homer, rookie Joe Ryan allowed one run over six innings, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox 8-4 Friday in Boston's home opener. Trailing 6-1 in the eighth, Boston pulled within 6-4 when Kiké Hernández hit an RBI double off Jhoan Durant and Rafael Devers followed with a two-run homer. Verdugo’s second homer of the season got Boston on the board in the second. The Twins got two more runs in the fifth when Sánchez dropped in a two-run single off reliever Hirokazu Sawamura.

Miguel Sanó hit a two-run homer, rookie Joe Ryan allowed one run over six innings, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox 8-4 in Boston’s home opener.

Detroit Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodríguez gets a look at his former teammates when he pitches against Boston at Comerica Park.

Detroit Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodríguez gets a look at his former teammates when he pitches against Boston at Comerica Park.

Bobby Dalbec hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the sixth inning and the Boston Red Sox avoided a season-opening sweep against their longtime rival with a 4-3 win over the New York Yankees.

Red Sox Yankees Baseball New York Yankees' Josh Donaldson, center, celebrates after hitting the walk-off single in the twelfth inning of an opening day baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, April 8, 2022, in New York. Xander Bogaerts put the Red Sox ahead 5-4 in the 10th with an RBI single against winner Michael King — Bogaerts’ his third hit of the game. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who started the inning as the automatic runner at second base, scored in his Yankees debut. Before the Yankees and Red Sox met, New York star Aaron Judge let his deadline for a long-term contract pass. DJ LeMahieu hit a tying home off Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock in the eighth.

Josh Donaldson capped his Yankees debut with an RBI single in the 11th inning, lifting New York over the Boston Red Sox 6-5 for its first walk-off win on opening day since Yogi Berra crossed the plate in 1957.

Many familiar faces with impressive resumes are in new places following one of major league baseball’s wildest free agent frenzies.

Trevor Story and Nick Castellanos are among the newest $100 million men during a Major League Baseball offseason full of big contracts.

Carlos Correa has declared the postseason “his time,” and the Minnesota Twins hope all that October experience can turn around the fortunes of a snake-bitten franchise.

Red Sox Baseball New Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story adjusts his ball cap as he speaks to the media during a baseball press conference at JetBlue Park Wednesday, March 23, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber)FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — A bunch of Red Sox players reached out to recruit longtime Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story when he was considering whether to sign with Boston. “Bogie’s been amazing throughout this process of me coming here,” Story said Wednesday after the Red Sox made it official that he would join the team to play second base – for now. The Red Sox were an unlikely suitor for the two-time All-Star, considering that they already have a four-time All-Star at shortstop. And if Bogaerts chooses to opt out of his contract at the end of the season, Story gives the Red Sox a long-term solution at shortstop. And he showed it again in terms of this process,” Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said at a news conference at the team’s spring training facility.

The Boston Red Sox have announced their signing of former Rockies shortstop Trevor Story to make the deal official.

Red Sox Story Baseball FILE -Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, in Washington. The Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with Rockies All-Star shortstop Trevor Story on a six-year, $140 million contract that would bring him to Boston to play second base, Sunday, March 20, 2022..(AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) (Nick Wass)FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — The Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with Rockies All-Star shortstop Trevor Story on a six-year, $140 million contract that would bring him to Boston to play second base. “He’s a big bat. That’s a big bat right there. Even before the deal was announced, the news was welcomed at the Red Sox spring training complex.

The Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with Rockies All-Star shortstop Trevor Story on a six-year, $140 million contract that would bring him to Boston to play second base.

Coronavirus restrictions in Canada and New York have assured that baseball will again be affected by COVID-19 in 2022.

Two years after winning an AL Rookie of the Year Award, Yordan Alvarez has an AL Championship Series MVP to add to his trophy case.

Boston's bats went quiet for the third straight game and the Red Sox bowed out of the AL Championship Series with a punchless 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros in Game 6.

Nathan Eovaldi wants the ball with the chance to extend the Red Sox's season.

In a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urías returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.

Jose Altuve hit a tying home run in the eighth inning and the Houston offense awakened with seven runs in the ninth on Tuesday night as the Astros came back to beat the Boston Red Sox 9-2.

Kyle Schwarber hit Boston’s third grand slam in two games, a drive off José Urquidy in a six-run second, and the Red Sox took a 9-0 lead after three innings against the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series.

Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) (Charles Krupa)BOSTON — (AP) — It was the middle of the pandemic, the Boston Red Sox stunk, and with major league ballparks empty in 2020, they couldn’t even count on the crowd to get them going. During one especially humdrum road game at the Rays' Tropicana Field, coach Jason Varitek suggested they needed to put some fun back into the game. And ever since it’s been our thing, I guess.”The 2004 Red Sox were "The Idiots." And if the 2021 team performs like its predecessors and wins the World Series, the lingering image could be "Tunnel Time" — the home run laundry cart drive through the dugout. “And I hope I get busier over the course of the playoffs.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

ALDS Red Sox Rays Baseball Boston Red Sox's J.D. “Didn't feel good running, but felt all right hitting.”Bogaerts, Verdugo and Hernández had solo shots to steady the staggering Red Sox, who lost the opener 5-0 Thursday night. Matt Moore was the other, doing it with the Rays in Game 1 of the 2011 ALDS at Texas. Richards has a left hamstring strain and will be ineligible for the AL Championship Series roster if the Red Sox advance. UP NEXTNathan Eovaldi will start Game 3 for Boston.

BOSTON — (AP) — The Boston Red Sox placed outfielder Jarren Duran on the COVID-19-related injured list Friday, bringing the team’s total to nine players added to the list in a span of a week. The Red Sox announced the move before Friday night’s home game against the Cleveland Indians. Manager Alex Cora said earlier Friday that Duran wasn’t feeling well and would not be with the team as he underwent testing. The club announced a few hours later that Duran had been added to the list, which has been growing since Boston placed infielders Kiké Hernández and Christian Arroyo on it Aug. 27. Pitchers Martín Pérez, Matt Barnes, Josh Taylor and Hirokazu Sawamura and infielder Yairo Muñoz were also placed on the list this week.

Eight Boston players and two coaches have either had a positive test or have been identified as close contacts since Friday. “It's gut-wrenching,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom on Wednesday. Red Sox left-hander Martín Pérez and right-hander Matt Barnes were added to the COVID-19 injured list on Monday. Also, reliever Josh Taylor and first base coach Tom Goodwin were identified as close contacts and quality control coach Ramón Vázquez tested positive. The Red Sox began Wednesday with a one-game lead over Oakland for the second AL wild card.

Bogaerts hit an RBI single in the first inning, but the star was replaced defensively in the second. It was announced before the game that Boston reliever Hirokazu Sawamura tested positive as a virus surge that started last week continues having a daily impact on the playoff-contending Red Sox. Devers picked up his 97th RBI with an eighth-inning single as Boston outhit the Rays 10-5. Red Sox left-hander Martín Pérez and right-hander Matt Barnes were added to the COVID-19 IL on Monday. ANOTHER CHANCEThe Rays are expected to recall veteran reliever David Robertson from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Red Sox Rays Baseball Boston Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts watches his RBI single off Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Boston's J.D. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Boston Red Sox star shortstop Xander Bogaerts was pulled from Tuesday night's game at Tampa Bay after testing positive for COVID-19, the latest virus setback for the team. Before the game, the club announced that reliever Hirokazu Sawamura had tested positive for the virus. They remain in Cleveland, where the Red Sox were playing when both tested positive. The Red Sox purchased the contract of LHP Stephen Gonsalves from Triple-A Worcester.

Orioles Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Chris Sale looks up as he walks to the dugout after pitching during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Bolstered by Chris Sale’s first major league appearance in just over two years, the Boston Red Sox hit five homers while pounding Baltimore 16-2 on Saturday, handing the Orioles their 10th straight loss. Rafael Devers got Boston off to a fast start with a three-run homer in the first against Jorge López (3-13). Martinez hit a three-run homer and Bobby Dalbec added a solo shot during a seven-run fifth inning — right after Sale left to a loud ovation. Red Sox: Cora gave OF/DH Kyle Schwarber the day off after he made his debut a night earlier.

New York and Toronto are eight games behind the Red Sox. Martinez and the Red Sox have wrecked the Yankees lately, going 6-0 against their longtime rivals this season and outscoring them 36-17 in those matchups. The stretch could decide whether New York is a buyer or seller heading into the July 30 trade deadline. TRADE WINDSThe clock is ticking -- two weeks for contenders to make deals before the deadline. The three-time AL is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list Saturday, when the Angels host Seattle in their second game after the break.

(AP Photo/Joshua Bessex) (Joshua Bessex)NEW YORK — (AP) — The sons are coming out for this year's All-Star Game in Denver. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved. San Francisco catcher Buster Posey is set for his fifth start and seventh appearance, his first since 2018. Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman was elected to his third start and fifth appearance, and Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to his second start. Fernando Tatis was a third baseman, outfielder and first baseman who played in the major leagues from 1997-2010.

The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 6-5 in 10 innings. Jordan Montgomery (3-1, 3.92 ERA) pitches the opener at Minnesota against former Yankees righty Michael Pineda (3-3, 3.40). Bieber (6-3, 3.08 ERA) has struck out 117 in 79 innings after winning the AL Cy Young Award last season. In a strange scene, the netting that also covers both dugouts suddenly sagged during Sunday’s game between Philadelphia and Washington. TRY AGAINArizona aims to end its 17-game road losing streak when Jon Duplantier (0-1, 9.35 ERA) starts at Oakland.