Red Sox Prospect Watch: It’s time to talk about Daniel McGrath

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 1: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox exits the bullpen before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 1: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox exits the bullpen before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
3 of 6
red sox
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Pitcher Bryan Mata #34 of the World Team and the Boston Red Sox works the third inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Double-A (Portland Sea Dogs)

Daniel McGrath has done it! He’s finally the headliner of the Prospect Watch! This is the greatest athletic achievement of all-time. Do you think Kofi Kingston had to wait long for that Championship? That’s nothing to this.

McGrath has been crazy good this year. He should’ve headlined like 10 times already if we’re being honest. The left-handed pitcher threw 13 innings this week, striking out 16 batters and allowing just one run. In 93 Double-A innings, he has a 1.35 ERA. The 25-year-old has 94 strikeouts, a .172 BAA and a 1.04 WHIP.

Like I said with Dalbec, there were a few people I considered for the headline. Dedgar Jimenez was right up at the top of the list. Baby Bartolo has been awesome out of the bullpen recently. The lefty’s last five outings combine for 7 2/3 innings. He’s given up no runs on three hits and zero walks in that time. He’s also struck out 10 batters and in his last four outings is 4-for-4 in save opportunities. Seriously. Is “Baby Bartolo, the closer” becoming a real thing? Let’s hope so. Let’s see him on the Red Sox soon, please.

More from Red Sox Prospects

Bryan Mata has a 6.23 ERA in Double-A after a rough outing this week. However, he’s 20. The lefty was ridiculously dominant in Advanced-A and has had some great starts in Double-A. No real reason to be worried about a few bad games. He’ll be a future ace for Boston.

Denyi Reyes gave up four runs in six innings this week. The lefty still has a 3.74 ERA in Double-A though. His turnaround has been awesome lately and a slight bump in the road shouldn’t worry anyone.

Eduard Bazardo is down to a 3.75 ERA after four straight scoreless outings (6 1/3 innings). He has 26 strikeouts in 24 innings and is starting to look just as untouchable as he did in the lower levels.

Durbin Feltman has a 4.91 ERA and 30 walks in 44 innings pitched. He also has 47 strikeouts and a BAA of .210 though. Clearly, he has some things to work out but Feltman’s potential is still extremely high.

C.J. Chatham is hitting .297 and is now up to 26 doubles, one triple and three home runs on the year. He has 36 RBI and 39 runs scored and the shortstop constantly seems to be hitting. I’m still convinced he could go to the Majors right now and hit around .300.

Jarren Duran is at a .253 average with nine doubles, two triples and one home run in Double-A now. He’s driven in 15 runs and scored 32 more and has 23 steals. Between Advanced-A and Double-A, Duran has a very impressive 41 steals. His speed is next-level and the Red Sox should value him extremely highly.

Marcus Wilson is now hitting .231 with 10 doubles and six homers for Portland. He hit .342 with 12 doubles, one triple, and eight homers in Advanced-A this year as well. As much of a fan of Blake Swihart as I am, it’s safe to say the Red Sox appear to have won this trade after the Arizona Diamondbacks DFA’d Swihart. Wilson is still 22 (turns 23 on August 15) and has all the tools to be a star-in-the-making in the outfield.

Schedule