Red Sox: Five player predictions for the upcoming 2017 season

Jul 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) celebrates his home run with shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) celebrates his home run with shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Brock Holt (12) throws to first for an out in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Brock Holt (12) throws to first for an out in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brock Holt will emerge as the Red Sox everyday third baseman

With Travis Shaw and Yoan Moncada being dealt away this offseason, and Pablo Sandoval‘s uncertainty, the Red Sox know what they can get out of Brock Holt on a consistent basis.

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Obviously, the Red Sox want Sandoval to be the every day third baseman due to his potential when he’s on his game and they don’t want a guy on that big of a contract on the bench. Reports of Sandoval being in his best shape of his life and really putting in the work this offseason is good to hear for Red Sox Nation; however, if Sandoval can’t get the job done, the Red Sox can turn to Holt to be a spark plug at the bottom of the order.

Last year we saw Holt play basically anywhere he was asked to and produce when he was in the lineup. As the season went on and Travis Shaw continued to struggle, Holt found himself starting at third in the ALDS and was Boston’s top hitter that series.

If Holt were to win the starting job at third base, it would be good for the Red Sox because of his ability to put the ball in play and run. However, it can hurt them in the long run with losing his utility role.

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