Expectations entering the ALCS were that the Boston Red Sox would need their superstars to lead them against the reigning champion Houston Astros. Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, and Chris Sale all factored into the series to some extent yet they weren’t the ones carrying this team to the World Series. Instead, it was the guy batting at the bottom of the order who made the difference.
Jackie Bradley was only 3-for-15 in the series for a batting average that puts him right at the Mendoza Line yet it was enough to earn him ALCS MVP honors.