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Red Sox options at second base aren’t limited to Dustin Pedroia in 2019

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MA - JULY 12: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on July 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 12: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on July 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 22: Brock Holt #12 and Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox return to the dugout after scoring in the fourth inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 22: Brock Holt #12 and Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox return to the dugout after scoring in the fourth inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Brock Holt

Defensively veteran spare part Brock Holt is more advanced than Nunez, but still is a significant downgrade from Kinsler and Lin. For his career at second Holt can best be described as average with a career -2.6 UZR/150. Like Nunez, the lefty-hitting Holt can move around defensively and like Nunez will not lead to a series of “wow’s” over defensive plays.

Holt is a trusty hitter who can stretch his at-bats and occasionally give some respectable punch.  Just a few years ago Holt was an All-Star before some serious injuries put his career in jeopardy. The issue with Holt is like Nunez and that is after everyday play for an extended period the weaknesses – especially defense – surface.

Holt will also be getting a slight boost in salary this offseason so a payroll hit in the vicinity of $3 MM is potentially at hand. I would expect Holt to be in the role he has always been in during his Red Sox career and that is a Swiss Knife of the roster.

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