15. Brandon Howlett (Third Baseman)
Brandon Howlett was drafted in 2018 without all that much fanfare. There are a few reasons for that. First of all, he was selected in the 21st round. Second, he’s a third baseman.
That’s the same position as Rafael Devers and Bobby Dalbec (also Michael Chavis as the time). It was also the position that Triston Casas was at the time as well (who they drafted in the first round that year).
Due to all that, it is no wonder Howlett wasn’t exactly the big name that people obsessed over.
However, it didn’t take him long to put himself on the map. Howlett absolutely raked in his first season. The right-handed hitter slashed .289/.402/.513 over 44 games. In that time he had 16 doubles and six home runs and drove in 27 runs. Things were looking great.
This year, he struggled a little bit more. However, he did so at a new level (Full-A). It was also a season that saw him play at the age of 19 the entire time (turned 20 on September 12).
Howlett hit .231 with 23 doubles, one triple, and eight home runs. He drove in 35 runs and scored 48 more in 113 games.
While the run production wasn’t great, that’s something he’ll improve on a lot as time goes on. His .188 average with runners in scoring position can definitely be attributed to his age and inexperience. As he gets time, he should get more comfortable in those situations.
A lot did go right for Howlett in 2019. The first was out of his control. While Devers firmly established himself as a star, the rest of the field made things easier for him. Chavis is now a second baseman/first baseman. Dalbec played some first base as well and Casas seems to have moved their full time.
That gives Howlett a much clearer path (although Devers still presents a serious problem.
At 6’1″, 205 lbs I think Howlett has potential at multiple positions. He could move to first or even a corner outfield spot if necessary. However, if the Red Sox want to do that they should do it sooner rather than later.
It’s also a frame that bodes well for his bat. Howlett is solid all-around. Decent enough speed, solid glove and good arm. He probably won’t be a .300 hitter but he can still hit at a decent enough clip and the power should come around nicely. If he continues to get bigger/stronger, Howlett has the type of swing that could see him hit 25-plus home runs.
In fact, in 2019 he already showed off that power a little bit. Although he only had eight home runs, quite a few of them were absolute bombs.
Expect to see him start 2020 in Full-A as it would be wise for the Red Sox to take their time with him. Due to that, he’s still a few years away from the Majors, but watching him develop should be fun.