Red Sox Prospect Watch: Talent is showing in minor leagues
By Mike El-Far
Boston Red Sox
Even though the Red Sox have a very young core, there are very few prospects that are on the team. When Marco Hernandez went down with a left shoulder subluxation, that left the roster with only one prospect. That would be Deven Marrero.
The former first round pick out of Arizona State University, Marrero has been a letdown in his time in the organization. Marrero has not had a batting average over .260 since 2014. Also, Marrero has not been the defensive wizard he was in college. In less than 100 games in Pawtucket last year, he committed 14 errors.
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Realistically, Marrero is only in Boston due to the multiple injuries that the roster has seen. First, Brock Holt goes on the DL with vertigo. Then, Marco Hernandez goes on the DL. Now, third base has Josh Rutledge playing full-time. Also, the Red Sox picked up Chase d’Arnaud from the Atlanta Braves on waivers, and he now occupies a roster spot.
Marrero will be optioned down to Pawtucket as soon as players come off of the DL, especially due to his limited playing time in Boston. John Farrell has decided to use Josh Rutledge primarily at third. Also, it seems the pinch-hit attempts are going to Chris Young and Chase d’Arnaud.
While Marrero will soon be out of Boston, it seems that his time in the organization is up. I would be shocked if Boston keeps him on their 40-man roster, and Marrero could easily be picked up by another team in the rule 5 draft. While Marrero is a high draft pick who never panned out for Boston, there is a another first round pick who has produced in Pawtucket.