12 Brock Holt SS

Holt agreed to a one-year, $3.575 million deal with the Red Sox, avoiding arbitration, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

This is his final year under team control before hitting the open market. Holt is expected to reprise his utility role, likely spelling Dustin Pedroia at the keystone several times a month, at minimum.

Holt had a career day in Monday's win over the Yankees. He went 4-for-6 with a homer, five RBI and three runs scored.

It was the first postseason cycle in MLB history, and the second cycle of Holt's career. After Holt's historic performance, the Red Sox will have a chance to close out the Yankees in Game 4.

Holt is swinging a hotter bat than Ian Kinsler and could move into the starting lineup at second base, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Holt was in the starting lineup Monday while Kinsler sat for the third time in five games. He has an eight-game hitting streak (10-for-22, .455) while Kinsler is hitless in his last 17 at-bats. "The way Brock is swinging the bat, he's a guy that we count on," manager Alex Cora said. "He's playing [Monday]. We'll throw our best lineup on a nightly basis in the playoffs. Whoever we feel can do the job that night."

Holt hit a three-run, pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 7-2 win over Toronto.

Holt's blast turned a one-run Toronto lead into a two-run Boston lead. It was the second go-ahead, pinch-hit homer of the season for Holt. He had been a regular in the lineup during August when Ian Kinsler and Rafael Devers were on the disabled list, but with those players back, Holt's starting assignments have been cut back.

Holt had a pinch-hit home run to provide the winning margin in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Holt turned on the first pitch from Tommy Hunter, sending it 424 feet off the facade in right field. The blast was not only shocking for its distance but also its timing, coming in the eighth inning of a well-pitched game. Holt has managed to stay relevant in Boston's lineup as injuries continue to dog the infield. He had made five straight starts, hitting safely in each one, before Tuesday. With Ian Kinsler (hamstring) expected to be activated either Wednesday or Friday, Holt's playing time should take a hit. He and Eduardo Nunez are essentially vying for the same opportunities as utility infielders.