The media, fans, and management have weighed in about the Red Sox closer debacle. What do teammates think? Holt took to Instagram to voice his opinion.
With free-agency looming, the huge remaining question mark for the Red Sox remains the closer position. BoSox Injection writers have covered numerous pieces about potential player pickups, what the bullpen might look like this season if the Red Sox should re-sign Craig Kimbrel, and how the season might play out. How does the Red Sox bullpen compare to our rivals, the Yankees? What opportunity does this situation create for others? Could Matt Barnes step into his role as the closer if Kimbrel bolts? Could Tyler Thornburg emerge as the team’s closer in 2019? What would happen if the Red Sox assigned the role to knuckleballer Steven Wright?
We speculated that Zach Britton would be a good external candidate for the role. We thought Adam Ottavino might be exactly what the Red Sox bullpen needs. We mentioned bullpen bargains that the Sox are reportedly looking at. We heard readers weigh in on the situation. We heard Dombrowski repeatedly deny interest in Kimbrel. We’ve heard the rumors that the Braves are downplaying their interest in Kimbrel. Ultimately, the best remaining option for the Red Sox 2019 season success could come down to signing Kimbrel.
The one thing we haven’t spoken much about is what Kimbrel’s teammates think. It’s not uncommon for players to remain silent on their own opinions regarding management decision. Brock Holt took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon where he voiced his view on the situation.
The teammates appeared at a training facility, and Holt offered his opinion to the Red Sox. Holt has made a big impact on the team, both on and off the diamond. His importance was misunderstood by many early in the season. Later, he played a key role in the 2018 Red Sox World Championship team. In Game 3 of the ALDS, he became the first player to hit for the cycle in the postseason. Cora turned to him to become a game hero. He’s been known to predict a teammate Andrew Benintendi’s game-winning home run. During a series in which Brock never actually played in, I might add.
Now here he is, once again playing a role off the field. He’s standing up for a teammate. He’s voicing his opinion. He’s sharing his thoughts about what the Red Sox should do. Does it surprise me? No.
Chris Mason of Salem News wrote about Brock Holt being the glue guy of the team and how he performs that role. He chose Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as his walk-up song to change the atmosphere and get his teammates going. He coined himself as “campaign manager” when Benintendi was named one of five players fighting for the final All-Star game vote. Alex Cora weighed in on his role,
"“Holt is a bridge guy, back in the day in ’07, ’08, people felt like I was a bridge guy between cultures and Mikey Lowell was the same thing.. The way (Holt) related to J.D. Martinez he related to Raffy Devers, which is great. He has a great sense of humor. He understands his role.”"
He was responsible for developing a season trademark ritual. Every time J.D. hit a home run, he was rewarded with a “Brock hug”. The tradition started because of a dream that Holt had before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center. Holt explained that in the dream, Martinez was wearing a necklace that Holt owns and homered. After hearing about the dream, Martinez insisted on wearing it for the game. During the game, he homered. Immediately after he homered, he returned to the dugout and the teammates hugged. The tradition was created.
Holt provided entertainment during a 2-hour July rain delay in Baltimore. The delay then resulted in a rescheduling of the game. During the game pause, Holt found a guitar and performed an emotionally gripping cover of “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish. Clips of the performance were plastered around J.D. and other teammates social media accounts.
This is what we call rain-delay entertainment. pic.twitter.com/utZrM4U1Ic
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 26, 2018
Brock Holt has even called his teammates out for cheating on themselves during spring training. Holt wasn’t happy that fellow Red Sox teammates were taking drills lightly. He stepped up as a leader in a difficult situation. He made his opinion clear that it isn’t okay to take the simple road. The way you show up in practice is the way you’ll show up in games. He made the team accountable for their actions. Rick Porcello voiced his opinion about Brock as a teammate.
"“He relates to everyone really well. He’s always picking guys up in the dugout when he’s not playing. Just a really likable guy. He’s always positive.”"
Given the type of guy that Holt is, it doesn’t surprise me that he voiced his views on the Red Sox re-signing Kimbrel. It’s not easy to voice your opinions. Being a professional player on a team that’s in the spotlight, understanding the media coverage that the Red Sox receive, and knowing that what you say reflects on the organization it’s challenging.
Holt’s ability to stand up on social media and share that, increasing the amount of respect that I have for him. Hopefully, his voice will make an impact on the decision that the Red Sox make.