What is Brock Holt's Future With the Red Sox?

In yesterday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox super utility man Brock Holt was the hero with the go-ahead 3-run homer in the eighth that led Boston to victory.

Last year, Holt sprung onto the scene for the Sox and in a disappointing year for the team, he was by far a bright spot. He became a super utility man and a consistent leadoff hitter. But the only reason he became known as a “super-utility man” was because the Red Sox had no where to put him.

So what should they do with him?

Currently, Holt has a .414 batting average and is as consistent as ever. He wouldn’t normally be a starter but Sox Manager John Farrell has gotten to the point where he has no other choice than to put him in the lineup.

Holt can play second base, shortstop, third base and all outfield positions, and does them all with great consistency.

But there’s one problem.

The everyday shortstop is Xander Bogaerts. The everyday second baseman is Dustin Pedroia. The everyday third basemen is Pablo Sandoval. The outfield is set with Mookie Betts in centerfield, Hanley Ramirez in left field and then Shane Victorino in right field.

Many would say “Well why not keep Holt until you get rid of Victorino?” It’s a great idea but again, there’s a problem.

The Sox spent 72.5 million on Cuban star Rusney Castillo, who is an outfielder. He’s not staying in the minors forever and is the right fielder of the future.

Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Rusney Castillo (38) at bat against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

So the question again comes up: what should they do with Holt?

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I thought that they should’ve trade him over the offseason, due to the fact that he has no real place with this team, now or in the future. But, the Sox didn’t exactly consult with me on what I thought.

With him having no real place, and his batting so good, now’s the best time to trade him.

This team is not just in dire need for an ace, but in serious need of a consistent starter who can go out every 5th day and give the Sox an at least solid outing.

Would Holt get back an ace for the Red Sox? Historically, he wouldn’t since utility men don’t have very high value.

But this case seems different.

Holt is really an infielder and if he got traded to a team that gave him a solidified position at second or third base, or at shortstop, he would no longer be known as a utility man.

A team that could use an everyday infielder and consistent leadoff hitter is the Milwaukee Brewers. Scooter Gennett has been mediocre at best for this team and the Brew Crew could use some consistency, which would solidify the infield.

Apr 24, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher

Matt Garza

(22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Also, the Brewers are the worst team in the MLB and could use a change of scenery and a consistent bat in the lineup.

But the big reason the Brewers could be targeted is because of what they could give the Sox in return. The Brewers have two top of the rotation starters in Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse. Granted, both have started the season off terribly, but with a little confidence boost in playing with a contending team, that could get one of the two guys going.

The Sox could maybe even make a player for player deal with Holt and Garza or Lohse because of how well Holt has played and how poorly Garza and Lohse have pitched. Garza is a much better target due to the fact that he played in the American League and had great success with the Tampa Bay Rays.

So the overall question is this: is Holt a part of the “future Red Sox” and if he’s not, what happens to him?

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What is Brock Holt’s Future with the Boston Red Sox?

By Evan Marinofsky | Apr 25, 2015