Boston Red Sox utility man Brock Holt is approaching free agency this winter. If he can have it his way he’ll remain in Boston for the foreseeable future.
Brock Holt is an important member of the Red Sox and is a key factor in their desires to continue their success. When the baseball calendar flips to 2020 he will officially become a free agent. Boston has several big names coming due in the next few free agent windows but Holt shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to re-signing players.
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Yes, we all know that Mookie Betts is coming due soon and J.D. Martinez can leave after next season, but Brock shouldn’t be forgotten in all of the noise. With his skill set and energy level, he can be a big star for Boston. The Brockstar recently spoke with Masslive.com about his impending future and he made his hopes pretty clear on where he’ll be playing after 2019.
"“I try not to think about it,” Holt told MassLive.com before Tuesday’s Red Sox-Twins game. “Obviously I’m here right now and I’ve enjoyed my time here so much and become part-Bostonian almost. Me and my family love it here. I love being part of this organization. So hopefully it works out to where we can remain here. But if not, that’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get there.”"
As we know, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski isn’t a fan of contract negotiations once the season gets underway. I can understand that as contract talks can get into a player’s head for better or worse. But not knowing where you’re going to call home once the season is finished can be just as mentally draining on the player.
Brock has been a spark of energy for this team that has seriously been lacking this season. He missed a good portion of the 2019 campaign due to a scratched cornea and an injured shoulder. From the moment he was back in the lineup though he has been nothing short of spectacular not only in the field but at the plate.
In a short span of time, he already has his average up to .303 and has knocked in 11 RBI. He’s also found himself as a key component to several rallies from the Red Sox by getting himself on base and knocking in those already on the paths. He means so much to this team and it’s clear he is an asset not only in the game but in the clubhouse with his enigmatic charisma.
"“I get that vibe from my teammates. AC tells me all the time,” Holt said. “I try to do what I can to help us out. I do the best I can in whatever spot I’m put in. I’ve always said whenever I’m healthy and I’m able to play, I feel like I’m a good baseball player. And I still feel that way.”"
The Red Sox need to look at re-signing Brock as seriously as they would any other player on the roster since he does offer so much to the organization. His versatility gives Alex Cora so many options and scenarios that he can use Holt in that it is hard for the opposition to gameplan for him. On any given night he can be a DH or pinch-hitter as well as starting at second and even in the outfield. He is a jack of all trades and can adapt to any game situation he is placed in.
With the future of Dustin Pedroia up in the air the Red Sox don’t have an honest second baseman to replace the veteran. Michael Chavis has done wonderful but is seemingly falling into a more natural slot at first base. Marco Hernandez and Eduardo Nunez aren’t true options as Nunie is also set to be a free agent and Hernandez is still too much of a wild card.
"“All of us who play the infield and play second base, we were kind of in that position last year without Dustin,” Holt added. “So I feel like this year’s no different. We expected him to be back and playing. But it’s kind of the same mindset. We’ve got to do our jobs and fill in.”"
It’s pretty clear that Brock hopes his future keeps him in Boston as this is a place where he truly feels at home. Both he and his wife are major pieces of the community and do massive amounts of work for local charities in the city. If for some reason the Red Sox can’t come to terms with Holt it will be a big loss on their end and a big gain for whichever team gains his talents.
"“My wife’s from the Northeast so she kind of made me gravitate towards the Northeast,” Holt said “I love it up here. I like being there. I love the city. I love the people and love the Boston Red Sox.”"
Brock Holt is a favorite among his team, the organization, the city and all of Red Sox Nation. He has worked through his career and has earned what he has coming in free agency. I think I can speak for all of the Fenway Faithful when I say I hope we see Brock in Boston for the rest of his career. With the clock ticking on his contract the ball seems squarely in the court of Dombrowski and the Red Sox as Holt has made it clear on what he wants his future to hold.