Boston Red Sox: The 2010s All-Decade Team
By Manny Gómez
All-Decade Boston Red Sox Infield
Catcher
Christian Vazquez (Catcher) has played for the Red Sox in some capacity since 2014. He broke out as a steady everyday catcher during the 2019 MLB season. That year, “Mini Yadi” played in 138 games, mashing 23 home runs with 72 RBI, all career-highs for the veteran catcher.
First Base
The Red Sox struggled to find an everyday first baseman during the 2010s, making this one of the toughest positions to the field. As such, the only possible solution I could come up with is Adrian Gonzalez (First Base). In 282 games with Boston, “El Titan” managed to slash .321 |.382 |.513. His .895 OPS with the team is the best he’d produce with any team in his entire career.
Second Base
Second Base was a no-brainer. Up until 2017 when injuries started to plague this player, you’d be hard-pressed to find a player easily defined as the heart and soul of the team. I’m talking about none other than Dustin Pedroia (Second Base).
During the 2010s, in 1031 games, “Petey” hit .296 |.363 | .432. He also won three Gold Glove awards and was selected in two All-Star games. When it’s all said and done, Pedroia is a surefire Hall of Famer.
Shortstop
Xander Bogaerts (Shortstop) definitely gets the nod for the toughest infield position in the game, especially after posting his best MLB season in 2019 when he placed fifth in the AL MVP voting. This season, “X” hit .309 |.384 | .555. What’s more, he managed to hit 33 HR and 117 RBI, both career highs.
Third Base
Kevin Youkilis (Third Base) is perhaps one of the most underrated players ever to put on a Red Sox uniform. A sabermetrician’s dream come true, “Youk” was often referred to as the “Greek God of walks because of his willingness to take a base. As such, his OBP while with the Red Sox was .388.
Though Rafael Devers might very well turn out to be a better third baseman than Youkilis, during the 2010s “Youk” was just better.