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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CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 15: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after the final out against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on August 15, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Red Sox defeated the Indians 3-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 15: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after the final out against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on August 15, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Red Sox defeated the Indians 3-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Pitchers occasionally win an MVP in league awards and certainly in team awards and Boston has a wealth of talent present that could do that.  Chris Sale is the most likely based on his 2017 season and his career slate. If the Red Sox win the division and Sale has a stellar September, he may get it.

More from Red Sox News

David Price had a lost season in 2017 with an elbow/forearm issue. Can he recover?  In the post-season Price looked like the arm was recovering.  Spring training and the wear and tear of the regular season will tell all. The intensity and personal pride can be a motivator.

How the mighty fell with Rick Porcello. A complete statistical flip between 2016 and 2017. Porcello will get his usual 30+ starts, but just what will they be?  Another home run barrage or more like the standout of 2016?

Craig Kimbrel may be the best reliever in baseball and quite possibly baseball history. If 2017 is repeated in his free agent year, then Kimbrel could easily top everyone. Closers are like goalies in hockey and right now Kimbrel is Patrick Roy.

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