Red Sox: 2018 Spring Training Non-Roster invitee snubs

Josh Ockimey

Last season, Josh Ockimey not only steered clear of the dreaded second-half slump but did so while making the midseason-leap to Double-A.

Combined between Salem and Portland the left-handed hitter slashed .274/.385/.436 with a career-best 74 RBI and 68 runs scored. Meanwhile, he mashed two triples and 14 home runs, as well as a career-high 27 doubles.

Those numbers included a .272/.372/.427 slash line in 31 Double-A games.

Ockimey is part of an elite few when it comes to Red Sox prospects. He’s got raw power. That can be said about a select few others in the Boston farm system. The 22-year-old may not have had a breakout year when it comes to power, but it’s coming. The ball tends to get absolutely crushed off his bat.

Ockimey has improved defensively as well. While he’s still not spectacular at first base, he’s got the potential to be more than just a designated hitter now.

With Nick Longhi out of the system, there’s a new pecking order of Red Sox first base prospects. Personally, I had Longhi as the best (easily the most well-rounded). Now it’s Sam Travis and Ockimey leading the pack though. Travis gives you a more complete hitter than Ockimey, but Ockimey brings the much-needed power.

With that in mind, the Red Sox may want to begin the process of fast-tracking the Philadelphia native if power continues to be a problem.

After making the jump to Double-A and not stumbling, the most logical next step seemed to be a trip to Fort Myers. That way he could get a small taste before attempting to take another leap in 2018.