How did 2020 impact Red Sox prospect Gilberto Jimenez?
So far in this series we have looked exclusively at Boston Red Sox prospects that did not get to play in 2020 due to the MiLB season getting cancelled, but did get to spend time at the Alternative site. Now we’re switching it up. Let’s take a look at someone that did not even benefit from the alternative site – Gilberto Jimenez.
Jimenez has quickly climbed the ranks among Red Sox prospects. He was relatively unknown when he entered the organization in 2018. He managed a good year but was still just an 18-year-old in Rookie Ball.
Then in 2019, the outfielder burst through in Short-A. It was a breakout year by every sense of the phrase. The switch-hitter mashed to the tune of a .359/.393/.470 slash. He roped 11 doubles, three triples and three home runs in just 234 at-bats. Jimenez also drove in 19 runs and scored 35 more. Oh, and he stole 14 bases with his absurd speed.
So in 126 career games so far, Jimenez has 77 runs scored and 30 steals. Most importantly, 2020 was set to be a true test. He likely would have started in Full-A where Jimenez would have gotten to play a full slate of games and continue to grow.
Instead, Jimenez got none of that. No MiLB games, and did not even get time in the alternative site. That’s rough for a 20-year-old who is rapidly improving. Suddenly, all the momentum is halted. However, that does not mean it’s completely gone.
In fact, Jimenez may have still made some very positive changes to his game. According to SoxProspects.com, the outfielder has impressed during Instructs with some newfound power and an improved left-handed approach.
So maybe this time off has given Jimenez a chance to work on his strength and power game, making him a more well-rounded prospect. That could make him even more of a star-prospect immediately.
With all that being said though, 2020 was probably a negative for Jimenez. The power is great, and it looks like he still developed. He’s a raw prospect though, so the thing that will help him the most is experience.
The Red Sox likely want to be smart with him. Take your time and make sure that Jimenez is growing and taking all the right steps before advancing him each level. So having a year off does no one any favors.
All this does is likely push back his ETA. Gilberto Jimenez is absolutely still a main piece in the Boston Red Sox future. Now maybe don’t expect to see him until 2023 instead of 2022 though.