A dominant young core and devastating pitching staff got the Boston Red Sox to the World Series, but it was an unexpected player who got them over the hump. Steve Pearce defied all expectations when it mattered, taking home the World Series MVP trophy.

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To say that was impossible to predict would be an understatement. The 35-year-old Pearce joined the Red Sox in June. He was considered an afterthought after getting just 86 at-bats with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the trade. Pearce got more playing time in Boston, and didn’t disappoint, hitting .279/.394/.507 in 136 at-bats.

Pearce took his game to the next level in the World Series. During the five games, Pearce hit .333, with three home runs. He smashed two home runs in the Red Sox’s 5-1 win in Game 5 that clinched the World Series championship, including the one that gave the Red Sox the early lead.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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