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Red Sox top-30 prospect rankings after the 2018 season

By Hunter Noll

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox stands at home plate before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 5-4. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox stands at home plate before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 5-4. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Boston Red Sox fans display strike signs in the sixth inning during game four of the American League Division Series between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 9, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

26. Eduard Bazardo

You’ll never guess it – we’ve got a “Hunter Noll Guy” – crazy right? Eduard Bazardo spent his first three seasons with the Red Sox in Rookie Ball. This season he made the jump to Short-A, but that didn’t last long. After just nine starts in Lowell, he was promoted to Full-A, where he made five more starts there.

The numbers were great this year, as the right-hander posted a 2.67 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Opponents hit .217 against him and he struck out 84 batters in 77 2/3 innings. The ridiculous part was the walks though, as he allowed eight free passes all season.

There’s a lot to like about Bazardo, but it’s the command that really makes him intriguing. This is even more impressive because his best pitch is his curveball. Finding a way to not walk batters when you’re throwing curveballs isn’t exactly easy.

Bazardo also has a changeup with potential. If you’ve heard me talk about pitching before you know how I feel about changeups – a good one is the best pitch in baseball. While it’s behind his curveball, as a secondary pitch it’s still solid.

Bazardo’s fastball has plenty of movement while sitting in the low-90s. So although it’s not overpowering it’s a plus pitch at the moment.

The 23-year-old dominated this season but doesn’t have “dominating” stuff. Maybe that’s why he’s been so overlooked to this point. He seems to have a good mix of pitches though and his command in 2018 was off-the-charts. That can go a long way for pitchers. If you can put the ball where you want, it’s going to get you to the next level.

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