Red Sox prospect #2: Austin Rei
Austin Rei has had a tough time in the Minors. Injuries have really slowed down his development. Due to that, the 27-year-old has never played past Double-A.
That being said, he is a very good player that has potential offensively and is a very good defensive player. He also has the most experience at the highest level of the group (Double-A) having played over 100 games there.
Rei is a career .217 hitter, that’s not very good. However, the right-handed hitter has a .328 OBP showing that he can find a way to get on-base at a good clip even if he isn’t hitting the ball well.
There is also some power there. a .337 slugging percentage might not show it, but that’s working with that .217 average. In 2017 he managed 30 doubles and three home runs in just 95 games in Full-A. Then in 2018 in 83 games at Double-A he roped 17 doubles to go along with career-highs in triples (2) and home runs (7).
Rei could potentially become a very good offensive catcher. Nothing spectacular but he will work counts and get on-base and could manage a high number of doubles as well as 15-plus home runs.
Meanwhile, his defense is superb. Injuries have hurt him in this category as well, however, that is more obvious on offense. Even with the issues due to injury, he is a good game-caller and pretty reliable behind the plate. He has a very good arm and can be fantastic at blocking balls.
Boston has kept him around despite the injuries and setbacks for a reason. There is a lot to love about his game and Rei could become a serious contributor for the Red Sox sooner, rather than later.