Boston Red Sox: Five players who produced breakout seasons in 2016
By Tracy Katzke
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 amateur draft. While in the minors from 2011 to 2013, Betts was primarily a 2nd-baseman. Upon realizing that remaining at said position would likely delay or even prevent his arrival to the Boston Red Sox, in 2014 Betts transitioned to an outfielder.
Only a superb athlete, which Mookie obviously is, could not only make such a positional transition, but also play said position with such brilliance.
Unlike Bradley, Betts was never considered an elite prospect, although you would never know it after perusing over his minor-league credentials.
In 299 minor league games and 1120 at-bats, Betts hit .316 with 27 HRs and 164 RBI. He also stole 92 bases in 107 attempts.
More from Red Sox News
- 5 Free-agent DH options Red Sox should consider to replace JD Martinez
- Chaim Bloom hits back at rival execs’ criticism of Masataka Yoshida contract
- Red Sox cut bait with key Mookie Betts trade piece in latest roster move
- MLB insider hints Red Sox teardown may continue with two trades
- Division rival targeting Red Sox 2022 standout Michael Wacha
In stark contrast to Bradley, Betts has never struggled at the Major League level. In 2014, his rookie campaign, Betts hit .291 with 5 HRs and 18 RBI in 52 games and 189 at-bats.
Last year, in 145 games and 654 Plate appearances, Betts hit .291 with 18 HRs, 77 RBI and 21 stolen bases.
2016 could be referred to as Betts’ coming-out party, as he hit .318 with 31 HRs, 113 RBI, and 26 stolen bases in 30 attempts. He was also selected to his first all-star game and was the only Major League player to hit three Home Runs in a single game on more than one occasion, as he accomplished the feat twice.
He is a viable MVP and Gold Glove candidate. He patrols the spacious right field at Fenway as well as anyone that I have ever seen.
His .997 Fielding percentage led all AL outfielders, while his 14 assists ranked him second among AL outfielders. In addition, his four double plays turned and his 346 putouts both ranked first among AL right fielders.