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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Aftermath of the MLB Draft

By Mike El-Far

Jun 9, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Sea Dogs

It is very clear that the Red Sox have a terrible problem at the hot corner. Pablo Sandoval will probably go down in Boston’s history as the worst free agent signing of all time. Marco Hernandez was a solid player at third base, but had a season-ending injury. While Deven Marrero plays great defense, he is hitting under the Mendoza Line.

Luckily, the best prospect in the Red Sox farm system is a third baseman. 20-year old Rafael Devers is currently in Double-A Portland, and is having one of the best seasons of any prospect in the system.

Devers is currently hitting .301 through 55 games. Also, Devers has slugged 10 home runs this season, which puts him tied for 9th highest in the Eastern League. Devers leads all qualified members of the Sea Dogs with a .890 OPS. There is no doubt that Devers is performing at a high level at the plate.

But, there are reasons why Devers hasn’t skipped Triple-A and made the move to Boston like Andrew Benintendi. One, he is still only 20 years old. After being signed as an international free agent, Devers has risen up the ranks of Boston’s system. He is still very young, and could use more time in the minors.

While Devers has been great offensively, it has been the exact opposite on the other side of the ball. Already he has made eight errors, and the season isn’t even halfway over. So while Devers is a great offensive tool, there are many concerns defensively.

If Devers was to get called up in the next 15 or so games, there is a very good chance he could hit above average at the major league level. But, there is a good chance that he is not ready offensively to face MLB pitchers. If that is the case, Devers is essentially no better to Boston than Sandoval.

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