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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Positive and negative trends to look for

By Mike El-Far

May 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Deven Marrero (17) hits a RBI double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Deven Marrero (17) hits a RBI double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-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 Kevin Pillar (11) 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 Kevin Pillar (11) in the fourth inning of a baseball game during spring training at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Sea Dogs

This year, Rafael Devers seems to be a (young) man among boys. The number 1 prospect in the system, and the 14th overall prospect in all of baseball has had a great 2017 so far. In over 100 at-bats, Devers has an amazing .329. Add 7 home runs to that, and Devers is proving how special his bat is.

The profile on Rafael Devers starts with his bat. Someone who can hit both for average and power, he seems to have one of the most advanced bats in all of minor league baseball for someone his age. What really makes the 20 year-old special is the bat speed he generates. It does not matter what the pitch is, Devers will be able to turn his hands and make solid contact.

While Devers is a great hitter, he does need to work on his defense. In only 69 chances this season, he has already committed 4 errors. But, it is not like Boston is used to having a defensive wizard at third base. Third is clearly the one position in Boston that is lacking talent, and this bodes well for Rafael Devers.

Temper your expectations, though. At the absolute earliest, Rafael Devers will be called up in August. But, he is destined to make his MLB debut in September when the rosters expand to 40 players. And even though Boston needs help at third base, I doubt Devers is the everyday third baseman to start 2018.

It is clear that Boston wants to take their time with Devers. If the aforementioned scenario plays out, he will be only 22 years old when he takes over in 2019. So there is no need to rush someone who could emerge as one of the best young players in baseball.

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