Brock Holt entered 2018 at a crossroads in his career. Injuries had limited him the two seasons prior and when healthy the Boston Red Sox’s super utility weapon was not effective. Holt had to battle in Spring Training just to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. While he was still an average fielder he hit a career-low .200 in 2017. This past season turned out to not just be a magical season for the Red Sox but Holt as well.

Holt had arguably the best regular season of his major league career. He appeared in 109 games, recording a career-high on-base percentage of .362. He tied a career best with seven home runs after hitting none during the 2017 season. Holt also drove in a career-high 46 runs. After recording just 102 hits from 2016-2017, he had 89 in 321 at-bats this season. While Holt’s statistics were impressive he is also valuable to this team because of his versatility.

This season, Holt has made appearances at six different positions. It has allowed rookie manager Alex Cora to rest his key players. Holt has excelled in whatever role the Red Sox have asked of him regardless of the situation. He has surprisingly been their best pinch hitter and has five extra-base hits including two home runs in that role. He has been a spark plug for the Red Sox and his personality has rubbed off on the rest of the team.

Furthermore, his energy has represented this team as the season wore on. After any Red Sox player comes up with a big play a hug from Holt has become customary. Every time JD Martinez or Holt homer they are seen dancing in the dugout, which is a celebration Red Sox fans have seen often. Holt’s energy represents how special this Red Sox team has been. They are playing with a new swagger under Alex Cora, who has fixed an apparently broken clubhouse. The players feel more relaxed, allowing their personalities to show, unlike in years past. In order to advance far in the postseason, however, they will need more than just good team chemistry.

The Red Sox will begin their postseason run on Friday against the winner of the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees Wednesday Wild Card Game. Regardless of whom they play, Holt will play a big role. He has earned that with his play after a red-hot second half. Holt hit .324 in the Red Sox’s last 30 games and had an on-base percentage of .419. The Red Sox will be looking to him in the postseason to be one of their key contributors. That is pretty good for a player who began the season with his future in question.