The 5 Boston Red Sox unsung heroes of 2018
5. Mitch Moreland
Veteran first baseman Mitch Moreland certainly had his moment in the 2018 World Series. A pinch-hit homerun allowed the team to get back in the game in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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The 437 foot 3-run homer ended up serving as the catalyst that helped lead the team all the way back to eventually win Game 4. That is exactly the kind of clutch performances Moreland delivered all season long for the Boston Red Sox when he was healthy.
Talk about Dave Dombrowski taking risks that worked out. First, re-signing Moreland to a two-year, $13 million deal was head scratching. But, his solid play during the beginning of the 2018 MLB season made the release of Hanley Ramirez worthwhile.
Posting a batting average of .245 with 15 homers and 68 RBI, Mitch Moreland made his first All-Star game at the age of 32. Most importantly, he provided veteran leadership and delivered in situations where the team needed him most.
As he proved when he was limited due to an injury throughout the playoffs, he is a player who stays ready to produce when his name is called. The Boston Red Sox probably wouldn’t have won Game 4 of the World Series without him and he was also a key contributor during the regular season when the AL East was still in doubt.