Mookie Betts’ opening act was impressive.
Betts’ major league success this season positioned him to be part of the Boston Red Sox’s 2015 Opening Day plans. It also landed him a spot on Baseball America’s 2014 All-Rookie Team.
Betts earned the distinction of being Major League Baseball’s top rookie second baseman this season, according to the team unveiled Friday by Baseball America’s Matt Eddy. The 22-year-old only played 52 games with Boston — 14 at second base — but Eddy pointed to Betts’ rate production and upside potential as justification for his inclusion on the squad.
Betts began 2014 with Double-A Portland. He jumped to Triple-A Pawtucket after a red-hot start and ultimately earned his first major league call-up in June. Betts played very well down the stretch, ending the season with a .291 average, an .812 OPS, five homers, 18 RBIs and seven stolen bases.
The Red Sox view Betts as an outfielder long-term. He shifted back to his natural position late in the season after second baseman Dustin Pedroia underwent season-ending thumb/wrist surgery.
The complete All-Rookie Team is below.
C: Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets
1B: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox
2B: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
3B: Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers
SS: Danny Santana, Minnesota Twins
OF: Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds
OF: Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Rays
OF: George Springer, Houston Astros
DH: Kennys Vargas, Minnesota Twins
SP: Jake deGrom, New York Mets
SP: Collin McHugh, Houston Astros
SP: Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays
SP: Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees
SP: Yordano Ventura, Kansas City Royals
RP: Dellin Betances, New York Yankees
Photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
