Entering 2021, Hunter Renfroe was coming off a down year. In 42 games with Tampa Bay, he hit .156 with eight home runs. Through the first half of this season, however, he has been a different player. The 29-year-old has appeared in 67 games this year and is proving to be a key addition for the Boston Red Sox. Renfroe has made a good first impression in Boston with the All-Star break less than a month away.
In 238 at-bats this season, Renfroe is hitting .273. The former first-round pick also has 40 RBI’s and has hit 11 home runs. In his first season with the Red Sox, he has brought stability to the lineup and rebounded from a tough 2020 campaign. While the Mississippi native has been a solid bat, his defense has stood out.
Through the first three months of the season, Renfroe has 11 outfield assists. Before 2021 he had only recorded double-digit assists in a season once. He does not only lead the Red Sox in assists, but all of baseball as no other player has more than eight this season. He has also made a few highlight-reel catches and has made an impact in a variety of ways. Although Renfroe is known for his power, his play in the field has been a welcoming surprise.
HUNTER RENFROE INCREASES HIS #MLB LEADING OUTFIELD ASSIST TOTAL TO 11!
LASER AFTER LASER!
When will other teams learn?! What a weapon in RF. #RedSox | #DirtyWater https://t.co/HCEaUKrBvA
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 26, 2021
Additionally, Renfroe has gotten better as the season has gone on. Over his last 30 games, he is hitting .343. The Red Sox outfielder has hit six home runs in that span, which is nearly half of his total this season. With Boston, he has not had to rely on his power, as his OBP. is more than 100 points higher compared to last year. On Monday night, he had perhaps his best performance in a Red Sox uniform.
Renfroe is Making his Presence Felt
While the Red Sox came back from a 5-1 deficit, Renfroe found his power stroke. The veteran outfielder hit two home runs and had three RBI’s. Both of his home runs were no-doubters and came when needed the most. Just like the Red Sox have done all season, they found a way to win, and Renfroe was at the center of their comeback. As the Red Sox look to increase their division lead, Renfroe will be a crucial piece. He has surpassed expectations so far in Boston and shown no signs of slowing down. He has already surpassed his numbers from last year and only needs 28 more RBI’s to tie his career-high. With plenty of baseball left, Renfroe will be a player to watch down the stretch.
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