Brock Holt is having an encouraging bounce-back campaign following a 2017 season nearly wiped out by concussion symptoms and vertigo. The return of Pedroia will make Boston’s infield a bit more crowded and the Brock Star is one player who could potentially be squeezed out.
Holt is hitting a solid .317 with a .853 OPS this season. He was one of the team’s hottest hitters last month before spending a short stint on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
His defensive versatility makes Holt a valuable bench option and he’s hitting well enough to stick on the roster. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will stay.
Missing 10 days with an injury may have cooled off Holt’s bat. He’s only 2-for-10 at the plate since his return last week.
While he’s proven capable of getting hot for extended periods, his long-term upside at the plate if limited. Holt has never hit double-digit home runs or 30 doubles in a season. His career-high OPS is only .727. He can still provide solid production for a bench player but he lacks the upside of the other options the Red Sox have at their disposal.
Holt does have a minor league option remaining. While it may not go over well in the clubhouse to send a fan favorite and former All-Star to the minors, optioning Holt could be the only way to keep another player in the organization.