WBOB Original Reads

FOX'S TOP 5: Top 5 Red Sox Prospects to Watch in 2017

3/4/2017

Ryan L. Fox

One of the cornerstones in building a successful baseball team is the farm system. In the past, the Boston Red Sox farm system was flooded with young talent that were able to make an impact for the team at the major league level. Now as we get set for the 2017 season, there some prospects that fans might want to keep an eye on as they could be called up into Boston within the next couple of years.

5. Brian Johnson

Position: SP
Current Level: Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple A)

Perhaps the most peculiar prospect on this list. Considered to be the most ‘MLB ready’ pitching prospect in the Red Sox farm system, the southpaw is known for having ‘fast tempo’ pitching style and is projected to be at best a fourth starter. He is also coming off a 2016 season where he missed nearly two months due to anxiety issues, which means he will be more than eager to prove he is ready to be called into Boston to shore up the backend of their rotation.

4. Jason Groome

Position: SP
Current Level: Lowell Spinners (Short-Season A)

You’re looking at the reason why Michael Kopech was part of that deal that brought over Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox. There were some concerns about his maturity and signability (getting him to sign a minor league contract after being drafted), which caused him to fall to the Red Sox at 23rd overall in the 2016 MLB draft. However Jason has a massive physique (6-6, 220lbs), which gives him better pitching durability as well as more velocity and speed in his pitches (91-94 mph fastball that can top out at 97 mph).

3. Sam Travis

Position: 1B
Current Level: Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple A)

A solid hitter with good contact that can find open gaps in the field as well as the ability to work the pitch count high. Not to mention that he can easily track the ball in the dirt as well as be able to track and catch the ball at first. His 2016 season was cut short when he tore his ACL in May and was out for the remainder of the year. However, in 47 games at Pawtucket, Sam was still able to hit .272 with 6 home runs and 29 RBIs, which is still pretty impressive.

2. Rafael Devers

Position: 3B
Current Level: Portland Sea Dogs (Double A)

At the age of 19, it seems like the sky is the limit for Rafael. A lot of the scouts have noted that he has a fluid swing as well solid swinging mechanics and strong wrists to help booster his power, which is already pretty impressive for somebody at his age (many are already predicting 30+ home run seasons up in the majors). Not to mention that many scouts have noted that he has the arm strength to play a third base, which has been an Achilles heel for the Boston Red Sox for a few years now.

1. Andrew Benintendi

Position: OF
Current Level: Boston Red Sox (MLB)

Oh come on, you honestly think I’d leave the #1 OutField prospect and the #1 Prospect Overall in both the Red Sox Farm System and all of MLB? What makes Andrew devastating isn’t his power or his speed (even though he is working to improve each of those aspects). Rather, it’s his hands, wrists, and plate vision that’s got scouts drooling. Andrew can swing through a pitch while maintaining complete control of his swinging motion, thus being a consistent hitter that will give you 25+ home runs each year.

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