Red Sox: Why is Dedgar Jimenez flying under the radar?
By Hunter Noll
The Boston Red Sox still have some strong prospects despite many believing their system is gutted. Dedgar Jimenez is one of the under-appreciated minor leaguers.
The Boston Red Sox have 18 pitchers on their Top-30 prospects list. Of those 18, six of them are left-handers. Also of those 18, only two of them had earned run averages lower than 3.02 (both were right-handed pitchers) in 2017.
I know what you’re probably asking yourself where this is going. Let me explain.
Dedgar Jimenez had a 3.02 ERA last season. He also threw more innings than anyone on Boston’s Top-30 Prospect list with 146 frames completed. Meanwhile, his 1.25 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) was also impressive, as was his .257 batting average against.
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Despite all of this, Jimenez can’t count himself among Boston’s minor leaguers on their Top-30 prospects list.
There are a few reasons people might give you for Jimenez being overlooked.
First, there’s his track record. Before 2017, the left-handed pitcher was completely underwhelming. In fact, he posted a 5.20 ERA in 2016.
Then there’s his build. The 21-year-old is listed at 6-foot 3-inches, 240 lbs and simply doesn’t look like he’s in shape to be an impact player in the MLB. There’s also been knocks on his work ethic.
There are a few simple arguments here though. First off, he’s still just 21. There’s plenty of time for him to figure it out, get a better work ethic, and get a better frame. Also, the work ethic and frame complaints are both completely overblown.
Far worse frames have been successful in the Majors *cough* Bartolo Colon *cough*. I’ve even taken the Liberty of dubbing Jimenez “Baby Bartolo”.
As for the work ethic, don’t believe everything you hear.
The most impressive part of Jimenez’s season was the jump to Double-A. After a strong 18 appearances (17 starts) with the Advanced-A Salem Red Sox (3.07 ERA), Jimenez was promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs.
With Portland, Jimenez made eight starts, amassing 46 1/3 innings. Instead of needing any adjustment time, he dominated from the start.
The lefty went 5-0 with a 2.91 ERA.
Overall, Jimenez posted an incredible 15-3 record, and rarely put his offense in a hole.
Next: Red Sox offered free agent Carlos Santana a 3-year deal
Don’t expect to see Dedgar Jimenez on the Boston Red Sox in 2018. While it’s possible, the likelihood of this is extremely slim. That being said, he’s a fun name to watch in the minors this year.