Henry Owens
Henry Owens is a “can’t miss” prospect that has for the last two years. He made 16 starts in the MLB between 2015 and 2016, going 4-6 with a 5.19 ERA and 1.518 WHIP. He showed flashes of possibly bridging the gap between potential and performance in 2015 but took a big leap back the following season with 20 walks in 22 innings pitched and 6.59 ERA. Owens might still have the most upside of any pitcher capable of filling, though that potential comes with a lot of frustration.
In the minor leagues this season, Owens has compiled a 2.27 ERA in six starts with a 1.389 WHIP and 11.1 K/9. With the high strikeout rate also comes an astronomical walk rate, as he’s averaged six BB/9. He’s maxed out at just six innings this season, doing so in two starts, and has averaged roughly 101 pitchers per outing.
He’ll have a couple more chances between now and May 20 to prove that he can get his base-on-balls issue under control but the Red Sox are probably better off giving him extended time to work on his delivery. He may have a lot of upside, especially given his strikeout potential, but until he proves that he can find the strike zone consistently that potential will go unfulfilled.