Boston Red Sox stars will factor heavily in the AL MVP race

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 25: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits a two-run home run in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 25: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits a two-run home run in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Alex Bregman

Bregman has been the most consistent player on a loaded roster that won 103 games and happens to be the reigning World Series champions.

A breakout was expected for the 24-year old following a strong second half to 2017 and his postseason heroics. Few projected for him to be quite this good so soon. Bregman hit .286/.394/.532 with 31 home runs, 103 RBI, and 10 steals. He led the league with 51 doubles and finished second with 83 extra-base hits. His .396 wOBA, 157 wRC+, and 7.6 fWAR all rank fourth in the league.

Bregman drew the third most walks in the league with 96 and his 13.6 BB% ranked sixth. He racked up all those free passes while maintaining a low 12.1 K% that ranked eighth in the league. Jose Ramirez is the only other AL hitter to finish in the top-eight in both walk and strikeout percentage.

Although Bregman rates a bit below average by most defensive metrics, he still looks solid at third base and has a strong throwing arm. He’s also shown the versatility to slide over to shortstop or second base when needed. Bregman even logged a couple innings in left field this season.

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