Over the last few weeks, the Boston Red Sox have needed a spark. On Wednesday night, they got one in the form of Hunter Renfroe. The veteran outfielder dazzled in the field, with Boston in dire need of a win. As he has done all season, Renfroe came through in the clutch and showed why he has been one of the best free agent additions in baseball.
In 124 games this season, Renfroe has hit 27 home runs and driven in 85 runs. The 29-year-od also has 119 hits and has been on fire in the second half. As the Red Sox have struggled since the All-Star break, Renfroe has been an impact bat. While setting career highs offensively across the board, he has excelled defensively.
After recording two outfield assists on Wednesday, he now has 16 this season. That is the most in the majors, and the second time Renfroe has had more than ten in a season. The Mississippi State product has posted a .963 fielding percentage and has been a daily highlight reel. The former first-round pick has etched his name into the record books and has the most assists by a Red Sox right fielder in a single season during the expansion era.
With the playoffs rapidly approaching, Renfroe is on the verge of reaching 30 home runs for the first time in his career. After signing with Boston for $3.1 million in the offseason, he has exceeded expectations. As the playoff race has gotten closer, Renfroe has taken his game to another level.
It's 2021 and people are still running on Hunter Renfroe. pic.twitter.com/jG7jDragcT
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 9, 2021
Following a ten-home run month in August, Renfroe has posted a .364 average in September. Through 33 at-bats the Red Sox outfielder has 12 hits including five that have gone for extra-bases. In that span Renfroe also has four multi-hit games and has only struck out four times. Although the Red Sox have not been at 100 percent for the last few weeks, Renfroe has been productive when in the lineup.
Expectations for the Rest of 2021 and Beyond
Entering play on Thursday, the Red Sox held the top AL wildcard spot. Over the next month, they will be looking to solidify a playoff spot, and Renfroe will be critical. In his first season with Boston, his power has been on full display. The Mississippi native has emerged as an important piece on a Red Sox team that has surpassed expectations. He is also under club control for the foreseeable future.
The power-hitting outfielder is arbitration-eligible for the next two seasons. He won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2024 and has already made his 2021 salary look like a major bargain. This season he has been the Red Sox MVP and a perfect fit in the Boston offense. Renfroe has already made history this season, with more signature moments hopefully on the horizon.
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