Sep 29, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) has New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) out as he completes the double play during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Boston Red Sox won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Place: Dustin Pedroia
ROY Totals: 139 G, 165 H, .317/.380/.482 8 HR, 50 RBI, WAR 3.7
Career Totals: 1244 G, 1482 H, .299/.365/.444, 118 HR, 588 RBI, 41.1 WAR
Pedroia is difficult to place since he is certainly not done at age 32 and signed to 2020. What does stand out is his contributions to two World Series Championships and an MVP Award.
The four-time All-Star also has four Gold Glove Awards and is usually among the upper echelon in fielding metrics. The glove work is a plus in any consideration and the plays of Pedroia over the years is a highlight film that could take up Sports Center for an evening.
Leadership is often mentioned with Pedroia along with intangibles – a difficult topic to somehow place into a metric formula. Pedroia appears part troll, elf, and general irritant to teammates and the opposition. But players on both sides have spoken of their adulation and respect for “The Muddy Chicken.”
Pedroia was back to form mid-way through the 2015 season when another injury hit and virtually cut his season in half. This situation is now starting to become a bit more common and could portend difficulties finishing off what is essentially a lifetime contract.
So Petey sits at the fourth position but expect Pedroia’s numbers to accumulate. A healthy Pedroia is a productive Pedroia.