Here’s why the Red Sox will overpower Yankees, win the AL East
By Cody Rivera
1. Mookie Betts
It’s safe to say that Boston’s young right fielder is becoming one of the best overall players in baseball. There is seemingly nothing he can’t do right now.
Is he an American League MVP candidate? He might be if he keeps going at his current pace. He leads the team in home runs with 15 (unusual for a guy who usually bats in the leadoff spot), leads the team in hits with 60, leads the team by far in stolen bases with 11, and is also currently above everyone else with a batting average of .368. He’s second on the team in RBIs with 32, behind only Martinez. Not to mention, he might win another Gold Glove this year, which would be his third straight.
Betts has officially become the face of the Boston Red Sox. For years, it was “Big Papi” David Ortiz. Following his retirement, it was assumed that the new face of the team would be Dustin Pedroia, their longtime second baseman and a former MVP. But Pedroia hasn’t played a game yet this year, and even if he had, it’s unlikely he would be doing as much for this team as Betts is right now.
In addition to that, Betts is just an infectious player to the fans, something that really only Ortiz has accomplished in recent years. He might have the best smile in all of baseball. He epitomizes the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park.
Next: Cole Hamels trade rumors: 5 best fits
If the Red Sox are going to overcome the Yankees and win the AL East, they will need Betts to keep performing at an MVP level. Ultimately, his hustle and determination are what make this team go. Regardless if he ends up winning an MVP award, he’s the MVP for this Red Sox team every single day.