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Boston Red Sox: Top 5 second baseman in franchise history

By Daniel Cassese

May 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) forces out Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) at second base and throws the ball to first base for a double play in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) forces out Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) at second base and throws the ball to first base for a double play in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 31, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (center) celebrates with right fielder Mookie Betts (left) after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Dustin Pedroia: 2006-Present

The spirit of the Red Sox, Pedroia has taken on the role of clubhouse leader following David Ortiz‘s retirement. After just his second MLB season, the diminutive second baseman found himself on a short-list among baseball’s elite: becoming just the eighth player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, a Gold Glove and a World Series ring.

Held back by his comparative games played, Pedroia is second behind Bobby Doerr among Red Sox second baseman in the following categories: hits (2,042), home runs (133), doubles (375), runs (874), RBI (662) and fWAR (46.2). Pedroia’s elite defensive abilities, represented by his four Gold Gloves, bridges the current offensive gap between him and Doerr. With 467 fewer games, he’s just 7.1 fWAR behind Doerr’s career mark of 53.3.

Based on his current career pace, and the assumption that he plays out the remainder of his contract, Pedroia should pass Bobby Doerr in hits, doubles, and runs within the next three seasons. Going on fWAR alone, Pedroia’s average of 4.7 wins per season since 2007 would have him pass Doerr as the most valuable second baseman in Sox history by the end of the 2018 season alone.

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Pedroia’s become a fan favorite in Boston based on his exceptional performance, but also a personality that compensates for his undersized build. If he isn’t the greatest Red Sox second baseman in franchise history now, it won’t be long until he is.

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