BoSox Injection
Fansided

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

By Rick McNair

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 – OCTOBER 09: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with Xander Bogaerts #2 after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros during game four of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with Xander Bogaerts #2 after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros during game four of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Will added pounds make Andrew Benintendi pound out more homers? In his rookie 2017 season, Benintendi hit 20 home runs, had 90 RBI and hit .271. Will Benintendi improve on that average? One deficiency is .232 against lefties and jumping that up could get Benintendi to the .300 plateau.

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Benintendi – like Betts – has excellent speed and stole 20 bases in 25 attempts.  Will the extra muscle impact that?  I doubt it as Benintendi concentrated on preserving that portion of his game.  Where Benintendi erodes slightly is the defensive metrics, but that is somewhat mitigated by some highlight reel catches and throws.  Benintendi posted a flat line 0.4 UZR/150 but had nine Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) playing left field.

Where will Benintendi hit? With an 82.5 contact percentage is excellent as is his 44% swing percentage. With 70 walks in 2017 and the metrics, Benintendi displays a valued quality as a hitter – patience.  Benintendi is also on the cusp of being a five-tool player. Benintendi has all the tools to be an All-Star in 2018 and beyond.

Getting a team MVP will be a task if Betts is back in full form and with Martinez now in the fold, but never say never to his sweet swing.

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