Boston Red Sox: Rafael Devers inserts himself into MVP discussion

Halfway through the 2021 season and riding a seven-game winning streak, it’s safe to say the Boston Red Sox have three bona fide MVP candidates.

Surprising, but not shocking, the Red Sox player topping that list is third baseman Rafael Devers.

Devers was on full display in Thursday’s matinee, a 15-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. One thru nine in the order collected at least one hit and Devers was one of three players to collect three. He also had 5 RBI and swatted his 20th home run in the sixth inning.

Along with Devers, JD Martinez and Xander Bogaerts are delivering at All-Star and MVP levels. Martinez and Bogaerts have been their stellar selves, but it is Devers currently pulling ahead and inserting himself as a serious MVP contender.

Rafael Devers providing steady bat for Boston Red Sox

Devers had a slightly down year in 2020, but one still was one of the few bright spots in the abbreviated season. And this year, he’s continued to rise in what has already been a steady career.

He’s currently on pace to equal or surpass numbers from his other MVP-caliber season back in 2019. This bodes well, especially for the ever-so-slightly slow start Devers had to 2021.

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A hit wasn’t collected by Devers until his fourth game and a home run not hit until his sixth game. It’s a good thing baseball gives us a long season to right wrongs and overcome the slumps that naturally occur.

Since the early-going — discounting some hiccups in May — Devers has been steady. And it shows with his output at the plate. The 20 home runs by Devers currently ranks him tied for third in the American league. He’s also second in doubles (24) and tied for seventh in runs (55) while batting .288 to go along with a .941 OPS.

To top it off, Devers leads Major League Baseball with 69 RBI.

Thursday’s three-hit game was the 26th time Devers had a multi-hit game in 2021. It was the second time this season he’s knocked in at least five runs and the 11th time in which he had three or more.

While Devers continues to impress at the plate, one thing that’s holding him back from reaching the top of the MVP podium is his defense. Even that, though, has improved as he’s handling more chances than ever. Despite 12 errors, his fielding percentage is .950, which would be the highest mark of his career if that number holds.

Boston Red Sox and the race for MVP

Ultimately, when three teammates are having seasons like Devers, Martinez, and Bogaerts, their votes could be canceled out when it comes to MVP. Of course, it’s a crowded field of deserving candidates, with Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. among them.

Devers, much like the two aforementioned Boston teammates, knows how to find the huge moment. Being the marathon that a MLB season is, Devers will have plenty of chances to add to his lore. The main thing is to keep the consistency going and keep hitting.

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Now in his fifth season, the MVP award may not come this year for Devers. But it will happen at some point in his career. Awards are something to keep an eye on. That, and the ball, so that the Red Sox may continue to win games, bringing a triumphant feeling that outshines individual accolades any day of the week.

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