Brock Holt as a Blue Jay?
Updated: Mar 1, 2020
Spring Training is just around the corner and the Toronto Blue Jays invitees are becoming more and more clear. While the current roster invitees are pretty much set, there's always time for any MLB team to add someone via free agency. One player in particular that the Blue Jays should take a good look at is none other than Brock Holt.
If you're a Jays fan, then Holt's name should sound pretty familiar to you, as he has played the past seven seasons for the rival Boston Red Sox. If you already know Holt, then you know exactly what he's all about.
When it comes to "super utility" players, "Brockstar" is basically the cream of the crop. The 31 year old has the ability to play (and excel at) every position on the diamond apart from catcher. He has a career fielding percentage of .981 despite playing over 100 games in three different positions, and over 50 games in five different positions.
He isn't going to blow your mind at the plate the way most of the current Blue Jays roster can, but for his career Holt is a more than serviceable contact hitter. Save for two short stints before his rookie season, and one injury shortened year, Holt has never got on base at less than a .320 clip (his career OBP sits at .340). His ability to get on base, and his positional fluidity make him a prime candidate to rotate through a lineup, or to come off the bench.
The Blue Jays currently have a rather solid starting nine (apart from a couple holes), but they lack a bench bat that can come in and play multiple positions. In terms of looking for a high quality replacement bat, Holt has had an oWAR of 1.6 and 1.1 respectively over the past two seasons. With his ability to reach base, and his flexibility to play anywhere, Holt could come off the bench with ease, or even contend for a starting position on this team basically every day.
With Holt's versatility it would help turn the Blue Jays into the type of team that I believe many teams should try to become. The type of team, much like the Los Angeles Dodgers, that can rotate almost their entire lineup into different positions without missing a beat. If you have that ability, not only is it an easy team to manage, but it limits the impact of any serious injuries. Brock Holt would join a team that already features versatile players like Cavan Biggio, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Travis Shaw, setting the table for an interchangeable lineup.
On-field play aside, bringing in a former Red Sox World Series champion could do wonders for a young team like the Jays. Given that Brock had taken up a minor leadership role on a very successful Boston squad, he would make a great mentor for the kids still trying to learn how to be Major Leaguers.
This team is starving for players that have been apart of successful teams. As they sit, there aren't many players that have "been there, done that" so to speak that can help out the youngsters. Brock Holt has not only done that, but has played with consummate pros such as David "Big Papi" Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and Shane Victorino.
If not for anything else, the Blue Jays should look into signing Holt strictly for the adorableness of his son Griffin. If you're looking for some of the most wholesome family content in the sports world, then look no further than Brock Holt's Instagram. Even if he doesn't come to Toronto, you should follow him for posts like this:
Super utility player, great contact bat to slot in anywhere in the lineup, or incredible father... whatever reason you want to choose to have Brock Holt in Toronto, there is no doubting how big of an impact player he would be for this team now and in the future.