If Hunter Renfroe’s most known skill is his ability to hit baseballs a long way, his best skill is his defense.

Perhaps now that Renfroe is playing for a high-profile team in the Red Sox, he will finally earn the recognition he deserves as one of the best outfielders in the game.

“I hope so. I take a lot of pride in my defense,” said Renfroe. “Always have. Always look forward to getting better.”

Renfroe’s cannon arm was on full display May 12 at Fenway Park, when he made a 92-mph throw from right-center field to third base to nail the A's Matt Chapman trying to stretch a double into a triple. It was a bit of a “wow” moment for the fans at Fenway.

Where does that throw rank of all the ones Renfroe has made?

“I definitely think it’s probably top three. I’ve made some good throws. I definitely made harder throws, but definitely top three, probably [top] two,” said Renfroe.

While playing half of his games at Fenway Park, Renfroe has already proven he can handle perhaps the toughest right field in the game for defenders.

Renfroe entered the day tied for the MLB lead in outfield assists with five and third in defensive runs saved with seven.

If he keeps that pace up, perhaps he will win his first Gold Glove Award. Is that a goal of his?

“For sure,” said Renfroe. “I told people, I think it was in ‘18 or ‘19, I told them I’d much rather win a Gold Glove than a Silver Slugger award. Obviously both of them would be great, but one of my things is, I feel like a Gold Glove is helping your teammates a lot more than that Silver Slugger is as far as pitching-wise. I think pitchers really tip their hat to us if we’re making great plays for them.”

After struggling defensively in his rookie year with the Padres in 2017, Renfroe was determined to make necessary improvements.

“And I went into the exit meeting just talking about my defensive abilities and what I could do, and I took that to heart. I really wanted to go out there and prove to everybody that I’m a plus-plus defender. I keep working at it,” said Renfroe.

Coming attraction: Danny Santana
It should come as no surprise if veteran infielder/outfielder Danny Santana arrives in Boston’s clubhouse in the next few days.

Santana, who was delayed in starting the season due to a severe right foot infection, has sizzled at the plate (.423/.467/.846) in seven Minor League games, the last four of which have been with Triple-A Worcester.

With the Red Sox struggling to get consistent production at left field, second base and first base, the versatile defender could give the club a boost. Santana smashed 28 homers for the Rangers two years ago before missing most of 2020 due to injuries.

“We know how he’s playing,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “I really don’t know when his opt-out is, I really don’t know that situation, but he’s done a good job. We can’t hide that. It’s a guy that we liked from the get-go, and he’s done an amazing job. He’s healthy, so we’ll see where it takes us.”

Cora lauds Bush
Though Cora picked Dave Bush to be his new pitching coach following the 2019 season, he didn’t get a chance to start their working relationship until this season. Cora was not with the Red Sox in 2020 but was re-hired by the club last November.

The starting rotation has performed above expectations this season. In the past 21 games, Boston's starters have a 3.49 ERA.

Bush has obviously played a role in that success.

“He’s been really good about simplifying stuff. Good communicator. This is not an easy staff, right?” said Cora. “I think the combination between him and [assistant pitching coach Kevin Walker] and [game planning coordinator] Jason [Varitek], in different ways, they have contributed to the success of this pitching staff.

“But going back to Bushy, he did a good job for us a few years ago, helping in the Minor Leagues and whenever he came up here. He’s doing an amazing job. I think it’s more about simplifying stuff.”