Red Sox: Raw power of Josh Ockimey could give him a path
The Boston Red Sox had a major power outage in 2017. This led to more home runs being a begging point for fans. Josh Ockimey could be a solution, but when?
Last season, the Boston Red Sox were among the league’s worst when it came to power hitting. They were 27th in the Majors in home runs (last in the American League), and 26th in slugging percentage (14th in AL). Due to this, it seems the fans, media members, and front office can all agree on one thing.
The Red Sox need to add power for not just 2018, but the distant future as well. What are their options though?
Giancarlo Stanton? The Miami Marlins hold on the chips in that one. They can ask for an absurd amount, gutting any team. All signs point to him being traded elsewhere anyways.
J.D. Martinez is a free agent coming off a monster year. The Red Sox will be competing with a lot of other teams in the Martinez sweepstakes. His price tag may get a little too high.
After that there’s still some power out there, but nothing like those two. Eric Hosmer and Carlos Santana are both names that have been kicked around. While both would definitely help the offense, are either the raw power hitters that Boston needs?
*cough David Ortiz *cough*
Additions don’t have to come from the outside though.
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Obviously, the big power bat in the Red Sox minors that everyone will be talking about is Michael Chavis.
After struggling with injuries in his first few seasons in the minors, Chavis enjoyed a major breakout season in 2017. Splitting time between Advanced-A and Double-A, the 22-year-old slashed .282/.347/.563 with 31 home runs and 94 runs batted in.
Due to the big season, Chavis should get a look during Spring Training. In fact, don’t be surprised if he pushes for a roster spot (designated hitter, anyone?).
The Red Sox have a few other minor leaguers with raw power though. One of those is first base prospect Josh Ockimey. Oddly enough, the two positions he’d more-than-likely take up in the Majors (first base and DH) are two of Boston’s biggest concerns.
Ockimey has shown his power over the last few seasons but tends to slip off an edge in the second half. This year though he kept it together, despite seeing a promotion mid-season.
Ockimey spent most of his season with the Advanced-A Salem Red Sox. He was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs late in the year though.
On the year, the 22-year-old posted a .274/.385/.436 slash line. He mashed 27 doubles and two triples, to go along with 14 home runs as well. Meanwhile, he drove in 74 runs and scored another 68.
Ockimey is still not exactly MLB-ready though. He’s only had 103 Double-A at-bats and needs more time to truly hone that raw power.
He’s definitely a major candidate for the future solution to Boston’s power problem, however.
Josh Ockimey checks off a lot of boxes when considering what you want from a power hitter.
He’s young and hits from the left-side of the plate. While he isn’t going to steal 20-plus bases, Ockimey does have some speed. If he can take that power to the opposite field, playing pepper with the Green Monster could lead to massive double-totals.
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The Red Sox power outage in 2017 may leave some fans restless for home runs. Due to that, waiting for the answer isn’t easy. If they can be patient though, Josh Ockimey may be worth the wait.