Although the Boston Red Sox have struggled to find their way following their 2018 World Series season, there has been a player who is having a standout year: Christian Vazquez.
The Red Sox backstop is not known for continuously increasing his batting average, or hitting double-digit amounts of home runs by the time the 162 games are up. In fact, his career season high was five home runs back in 2017 –– and just 10 total since his MLB debut in 2014.
This season alone, Vazquez has hit 10 –– including the walk-off to help the team win over the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday.
Six out of his 10 round-trippers this season have been either from behind or tied the ballgame up.
Vazquez is key in those types of situations. He makes all those big flies count for sure. Not to mention that Vazquez has become increasingly versatile this year. So far he’s played in four other positions other than his usual position of catcher. He’s appeared at DH (five games), second (two games), first (one game), and third (one game).
Not convinced yet? Well, how’s this for a little more proof of his breaking out: In May, Christian hit .373 (best in the AL in May), with a .957 OPS (10th in the AL) in 22 games played.
Not only has his bat been enormous, but his arm is spectacular as well. Christian has gunned out 13 of 21 batters stealing, along with four pickoffs.
Unfortunately, he did not advance in the All-Star ballot, but on the bright side, fans all over have been giving him the recognition he has earned for his play this season. We are just now approaching the All-Star Break and Red Sox Nation cannot wait to see what more no. 7 has to offer behind and at the plate in 2019.
