Under the radar Red Sox players ready to make big contributions in 2019
By Jacob Anes
Zach Putnam
Zach Putnam was drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 draft by the Indians. The Red Sox signed Putnam to a minor league deal on December 19th.
Putnam had spent the majority of his career with the White Sox and has been a solid reliever for a while. Over his career, he has a 3.20 ERA with a 3.37 FIP and a 3.42 xFIP over 152 innings. He was non-tendered by the White Sox after missing 2018 following Tommy John Surgery.
If Putnam can return to form, he could be a big piece of the Red Sox bullpen in 2019. This means that he will have to show the Red Sox he is still the same pitcher following TJS in order to make the roster. He is on a minor league deal with an invite to the big league camp, so he will get a fair shot at making the major league roster, and will get plenty of opportunities to pitch in the spring.
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Putnam features 3 pitches, a 4 seam fastball, cutter, and a splitter. His fastball sits in the low 90s, as he relies on location to get batters out, rather than velocity. His splitter has been his most effective pitch throughout his career. He is a groundball pitcher, which makes him an ideal fit for Fenway Park.