Poll: The American League’s top rookie for the first half

Jun 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Brock Holt (26) at bat in front of Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brock Holt, Boston Red Sox

Shocked by this one? I’m not even a Red Sox fan either.

When the Red Sox received Holt (along with Joel Hanrahan, you remember that) as part of the Mark Melancon deal, I don’t think they knew what they were getting. Well, not completely. Now they do. This guy has value, and it has been on display this season.

Holt’s slashline of .327/.371/.463 is impressive in and of itself. (What? Holt’s OPS is .834?!?!) His BA currently ranks 10th in the AL. That he’s been able to bring this offensive production while playing at seven different defensive positions is another animal. He hasn’t caught or pitched. He’s played at least one inning at every other position. Talk about versatile.

Holt’s not a defensive liability either. He might not win a Gold Glove, but he does sport a positive dWAR (0.1). His overall outfield DRS is 6 with a DRS of 5 for right field. “Filling in” for a Gold Glover in Shane Victorino or adding a bit of clarity to the left field situation, Holt has taken a step forward that many may not have seen coming.

And I’ll Add this. Holt’s bWAR of 2.2 is second on the Red Sox. Only Dustin Pedroia (3.1) is ahead of Holt.