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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Spring Training comes to an end

By Mike El-Far

Mar 24, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez (40) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Steve Pearce (28) in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez (40) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Steve Pearce (28) in the third inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (74) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays batter Ryan Goins (17) in the fourth inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (74) throws to first for the out on Toronto Blue Jays batter Ryan Goins (17) in the fourth inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Non-Roster Invitees

Non-Roster Invitees are the players who are not on Boston’s 40-man roster that are invited to Spring Training.  Like most organizations, if you are not on the 40-man roster in March, you are likely starting the season somewhere in the minors.

Had Sam Travis not torn his ACL in May of last year, he is probably the everyday first baseman for the Red Sox this year.  But, that happened, and that job went to free agent signing Mitch Moreland. Travis has had a very productive spring, hitting 3 home runs and a dozen RBI’s.

With Moreland on a one-year deal, the writing is on the wall that Travis will be playing everyday in Boston in 2018.  The 24 year-old has power that will easily translate in Fenway Park, and seems to be on the fast track to success.

Another top prospect who was invited to camp is Rafael Devers. The No. 2 prospect in Boston’s system, the 20 year-old third baseman is the future for the Red Sox hot corner.  The White Sox originally asked for Devers as well as Moncada and Kopech for Chris Sale.  Dombrowski would not give up all three.

This spring, Devers is showing that not many 20 year-olds are breaking into Major League Baseball.  He has struggled mightily over the past month, with a terrible .136 batting average. Devers profiles as someone who will not be MLB ready until next year at the very earliest.

Next: Will Moreland be available for Opening Day?

Again, this is Spring Training.  So these statistics truly do not mean that much.  Devers should be spending the whole 2017 season in Portland, with a possibility that he gets the call to go to Pawtucket.  Hopefully, Devers follows his good 2016 season with a solid 2017.

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