Red Sox: Three prospects that can thrive with an MLB promotion in 2020
The curious case of the 2020 Red Sox season
Here we are Red Sox Nation, into the second week of June and nowhere close to seeing the MLB kick things off. In what has become the most annoying game of back and forth in recent sports history, neither side is willing to budge on their points.
As it stands, we’ll be lucky to see anything close to half of what a normal season would consist of, and may only get something in the neighborhood of 50 or so games. With that said, a shortened season could be a massive boost for players who are trying to boost their status.
Plenty of players will be hitting free agency next winter thanks to the original labor agreement that will count 2020 for service time whether games get played or not. A smaller campaign could also lead to the infusion of top-end prospects into lineups as a way to get them more reps for 2021.
It may seem a bit far-fetched that we could see a high number of prospects in 2020 but it all comes down to the players. The majority may agree to terms with the owners to get things going but there very well might be some that are still uncomfortable with playing.
That’s where the prospects come into play. These guys barely get paid as it is, add in the possible wage cancelations due to the MiLB season being shut down, and you’ve got some eager players ready to sign up.
For the Red Sox, I scoured their list of prospects, and three names really jumped out at me as guys who could have an impact in 2020. Let’s get to the players!
Red Sox Infielder: Bobby Dalbec
Bobby Dalbec is easily one of my favorite prospects in the Red Sox farm system. He’s often tied to Michael Chavis as both were near the top of the list as far as future stars of Fenway are concerned. Much like Chavis, Dalbec will primarily see action over at the hot corner but has the capability of playing first base. Hell, the guy can even pitch!
For me, he’d be best used as a backup to both Mitch Moreland and Rafael Devers. With Mitchy Two-Bags having 2020 and a club option for 2021, Boston needs to start grooming his replacement. I’m sure many will say that’s where Chavis comes in but with the future of Dustin Pedroia a giant mystery and Jose Peraza only signed for 2020, I see the Ice Horse playing at second.
This leaves a big gap over at first especially when you consider the injury history of Mitch lately. The downside of being a power hitter is that eventually, that back is going to start giving out. Infusing a young player like Dalbec into first base is a win-win for him and the Red Sox. He gets daily mentoring from one of the best first basemen there’s been, and Boston secures their future.
Bobby had a mixed spring with a .227/.320/.455/.775 line with a homer, two doubles, and 5 RBI. He did strike out seven times in 22 AB, but plate discipline can be worked on. I truly feel he could offer backup relief at both corners of the infield and get his bat going for some solid offense.
Red Sox Outfielder: C.J. Chatham
C.J. Chatham is a guy that I think can do some seriously big things with the Red Sox. He has the capability to play left field, shortstop, and second base. That kind of versatility is hard to come by in a player especially one with his potential.
As I discussed in the previous slide, I feel as if Dalbec will be the heir apparent at first base with Chavis next in line for second. Andrew Benintendi won’t be a free agent until 2023, but with JBJ soon to hit the market, we could either see Benny slide to center field or have Chatham learn the position.
On a personal note, I actually traded JBJ in MLB The Show and promoted Chatham. Saved me a fortune and the kid can smack dingers for days. Now, that’s just a video game but we’ve seen what he can do in real life as well.
Between Portland and Pawtucket last year he put up a monster line of .298/.333/.408/.741 with five homers and 46 RBI. That may not sound like much but he totaled 130 hits with 31 of those being doubles. Much like Dalbec, his strikeout number is pretty high at 87, but with his offensive power, that can be controlled. A few months with J.D. Martinez and those numbers could go through the damn roof!
He has a high potential and with several positions being up for grabs within the next year or two, 2020 could be his chance to show he belongs in the bigs. With Chaim Bloom at the helm, Red Sox Nation may be in for a serious youth movement, and Chatham is on that list.
Red Sox Pitcher: Tanner Houck
The Red Sox pitching staff is one that can often leave many a thing to be desired. What was a dominant squad in 2018 was a confusing shell of itself in 2019. This is where Tanner Houck could make his entrance. He’s one of Boston’s highest-rated pitching prospects and did well in Pawtucket last season.
He’ll be turning 24 in a little over a week and has plenty of time left on the mound. The current state of the Red Sox rotation is in massive flux as there are only three concrete starters in Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Martin Perez. Ryan Weber was the favorite to get the fourth spot in the rotation but that could all change after this long break.
With no clear fifth starter and the idea of running an opener giving me panic attacks, why not give Houck the chance? If it goes well then Boston has a long-term starter that will be with the club for years to come.
If he isn’t ready then they can try and set him in the bullpen or back to the minors for 2021. This season feels like it will be an all-out sprint but could also be a throwaway for many teams, I honestly have no clue how Boston will attack it.
During his 2019 campaign between Portland and Pawtucket, Houck tossed for a 4.01 ERA in 107.2 innings. He did better in Triple-A having just a 3.24 ERA but also spent far less time there. He very well could thrive with the lights on bright and may even light a fire under some of the other pitchers. Sometimes all it takes is a little fresh blood in the lineup to get everyone fired up.
The Red Sox and the 2020 Season
I’m going to be incredibly blunt with you, my friends, I have no idea what this season will look like. It doesn’t look like we’re going to get any positive news anytime soon, so we’re stuck in limbo. I mentioned above that we could see two approaches to a shortened 2020. Some teams will go head-on and attack it in a sprint while others may take a lap and come back for 2021.
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I doubt the Red Sox will want to take a wash on a chance at winning another World Series crown, but they may experiment a little more than expected. Chaim Bloom is known for his ability to grow and develop a strong farm system, this could be his big chance. He can promote some of the top prospects on the list, especially if the rosters are expanded, and let them get a taste of the big leagues.
If things go poorly and Boston is at the bottom of the barrel super quick then this very well may be the time that the youth gets injected into the lineup. Ron Roenicke recently spoke about his frustrations and his optimism for 2020. Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy also chimed in with his thoughts. Both expect an agreement and the MLB to be back on our screens this summer.
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I want to hold onto that optimism as well, but it’s getting more difficult with each passing day. For Boston’s sake, they need this season possibly more than any other team considering the moves they made this offseason. If baseball gets canceled for 2020, they’re pretty much back to square one with finding ways to save money. Adding in some inexpensive young talent to a possible wild trade market just might be what the doctor ordered for the ailing Red Sox.