Red Sox candidates for the team’s 2018 Most Valuable Player

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 09: A tarp is seen on the field before game four of the American League Division Series between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 09: A tarp is seen on the field before game four of the American League Division Series between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – JUNE 23: Former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz #34 reacts during his jersey retirement ceremony before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park on June 23, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 23: Former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz #34 reacts during his jersey retirement ceremony before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park on June 23, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox have many players who could become the team’s Most Valuable Player. Here is a list of the top candidates.

Awards are important to players and fans of sports.  In many instances, a player will have a fiscal incentive available for winning or finishing high in various categories. The recognition follows them throughout their career and post-career years. You will be identified as a former home run champion, batting champion, MVP, or earned run average leader.

Within a team there are awards.  Boston has established them for minor league players as an incentive and to recognize certain baseball talents in pitching, baserunning, fielding and so on. For the “Big Club,” we tend to have our favorites for recognition. Just who potentially can be the Most Valuable Player for the Red Sox? I have my own short list and they represent just who you would expect.

In the best of all baseball worlds, the choice would be argumentive at the end of the season and that would be a good thing. If all listed had the season expected that would challenge for an MVP Award, then your Boston Red Sox would be sitting in Red Barber’s famous “Cat Bird Seat.”

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