Red Sox 2019 Report Cards: Relief Pitcher Marcus Walden
By Rick McNair
Evaluating the 2019 season of Boston Red Sox pitcher Marcus Walden and assigning a grade based on how his production lived up to expectations.
Marcus Walden was an afterthought as just one of those players who is signed to a minor league deal and stuffed in Triple-A either to eventually surface or be released. The Red Sox’ association with the 31-year-old right-hander began when Walden was signed as a free agent in December of 2016. Boston represented Walden’s fifth organization.
In 2017 Walden was primarily a starter at Pawtucket (AAA) winning 10 games with a humdrum 3.92 ERA. In 2018 Walden was again scheduled to start the season at Pawtucket, but an outstanding spring training rewarded Walden’s 11 seasons of minor league perseverance with a spot on the MLB roster. Eventually, roster number-crunching had Walden back in the International League.
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The Red Sox needed some bullpen stability in 2019 and Walden became a bellwether leading the bullpen with 78 innings pitched in 70 games. Walden was given – just like about every relief arm on the staff – a shot at closing. That netted Walden a pair of saves and four blown saves. That was the bad news and the good news was a 9-2 record and a 3.81 ERA.
Walden has three pitches that he utilizes – a fastball (cutter and four-seam), curve, and slider. Walden can top out in the mid-90s with his fastball and led the Red Sox relievers with a 53.5 GB% (min. 40 IP). In this era of inflated strikeouts, Walden pitches a bit more to contact (8.8K/9). Walden’s .264 BABIP was second among relievers to Brandon Workman’s .209 BABIP.
Walden is firmly in the category of “I didn’t see that coming” with his 2019 performance. A surprise that borders on stunning surprise and all in a good way. The grade Walden gets is based on both performance and expectations – my expectations thought Walden would be a yo-yo between Boston and Pawtucket with no real measure of success and contribution. Another error by me.
Grade
Relief Pitcher. . Marcus Walden. A.
In 2018 the out of nowhere surprise was Ryan Brasier and Walden assumed that in 2019. An amazing story of resilience with multiple organizations. Walden brought a measure of security to a bullpen that had lost Joe Kelly to free agency by being ensconced in a similar role without the flashy heat. A position that certainly was needed based on how the rotation had dissolved starting right in April.
Future Outlook
Walden will be right back to his role that could be anywhere from the first call out of the bullpen to possible setup for closer in waiting, Workman. The issue will be is Walden just a one year wonder? Brasier took a dive in 2019 and will Walden avoid that in 2020? Best to think positive.
A new age of financial restraint has reportedly surfaced in Boston and that means cost control. In 2019 Walden earned the MLB minimum ($555,000) and will get a raise over that figure, but Walden is pre-arbitration and the Red Sox call the financial shots with Walden – expect no seven figures for Walden.
Next. Red Sox 2020 projected arbitration salaries. dark
Walden’s low price tag could have repercussions elsewhere as other relievers with a similar profile will be far more costly. Heath Hembree whose 2019 salary was $1.35 Million could be gone replaced by a cheaper and – at least based on 2019 – more productive option. Marcus proved his worth to the Red Sox this season and has more than earned his spot for 2020.