Red Sox Prospect Watch: The month of May begins
By Mike El-Far
Portland Sea Dogs
Most fans hear about the Sea Dogs and think of one player: Rafael Devers. The 20 year-old third baseman is the top prospect in the system, and projects to be a very good MLB player. While Devers is deserving of all the praise, there is another player on Portland who is having a very good season.
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That would be top 20 prospect Jalen Beeks. A left-handed pitcher, Beeks has strung together four very good starts, sporting a 1.99 ERA over 22.2 innings pitched. His last two starts are where he has really turned it on. In the first game of a double header on April 23rd, Beeks threw a complete game shutout.
On April 30th, Beeks went 7 shutout innings again while striking out 4. Currently, Beeks has a 10.5 K/9 rate, which is something to keep an eye out for. While Jalen Beeks does have four different pitches that he offers, many scouts did not think any of those pitches were great offerings.
Realistically, Beeks’ chance to make the major league team this year is very low. Even with the injury to David Price, there is just no room for Beeks. But, his dominance over the first month in AA is something that is a pleasant surprise for the system. While the number 2 prospect in the system is a pitcher, he is 18 years old and has struggled in the few starts he has made.
With the system loaded with position players who seem to have a bright future, the emergence of Jalen Beeks could be one of the most beneficial things to happen to the system this year. Maybe in a year or two, Beeks could crack the rotation and be another skilled lefty.