Can prospect Marcus Wilson have an impact in 2021 for the Red Sox?
The Boston Red Sox have had a busy offseason. It may not seem like there has been much going on, but they’ve actually added quite a few players. Meanwhile, there is a ton of talent that they have let go via free agency as well as traded away. That opens up the possibility of a few prospects having a path to the Majors.
Everyone talks about Triston Casas, Jeter Downs, Jarren Duran, and Bobby Dalbec (if you want to count him) when it comes to position players. However, someone that could make a big splash but does not get the recognition is Marcus Wilson.
Wilson is an outfielder that can impact the game in just about every way possible. Can he make an impact in the Majors in 2021?
The first thing you have to look at when considering this is what the outfield looks like for the Red Sox right now. The trade of Andrew Benintendi really opened things up. And the fact that it looks like Boston is not re-signing Jackie Bradley Jr. only adds to that.
That leaves J.D. Martinez (although he should be more of a designated hitter), Alex Verdugo, Hunter Renfroe, and Franchy Cordero as the Major League outfielders. Enrique Hernandez and Marwin Gonzalez both have the ability to play the outfield as well.
So that’s three full-time outfielders, a mostly-DH, and two utility guys that can play the outfield. Decent depth, but not a lot of room for error. One injury could cause a problem. And a few of those players are not exactly stars. A rough start could push them out of a role.
With all that in mind, you have to wonder about the Red Sox minor leagues. The first name anyone is going to bring up when it comes to the outfield is Jarren Duran. What is there after him though?
Wilson brings a lot to the table and absolutely deserves more of a buzz. What exactly does he bring, you ask?
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The outfielder can legitimately do it all. He is a great fielder with a strong arm and very good speed. Gold glove defense is very possible and he could swipe 20-plus bases in a season. Meanwhile, his bat is exciting.
The right-handed hitter might not hit at a .300 clip in the Majors, but he should have a solid average and can draw a good amount of walks to get on base quite often. At the same time, Wilson has decent pop and could manage 20-plus home runs.
Legitimate 20/20 potential.
In 2019, Wilson slashed .269/.357/.492 in 119 games between Advanced-A and Double-A. He had two triples, 51 walks, and 13 steals. The reason I point those numbers out is because they were the few stats that weren’t career-highs.
He set new personal bests in doubles (28), home runs (18), runs scored (65), and RBI (58). All while being one of the most reliable gloves on whatever team he was on.
The Red Sox outfield could be pretty strong in 2021. It feels like a safe bet to assume Martinez will be an elite hitter again, and Verdugo proved in 2020 that he can be one of the better all-around players in MLB. Meanwhile, Renfroe isn’t going to give you a great average but he has fantastic power that could play at Fenway. Finally, Cordero is interesting and could be a solid left-handed bat.
That being said, only Verdugo and Martinez really have a role locked down. Even Gonzalez isn’t promised anything in a utility-role after a decline in production each of the last few years.
There is a strong chance the Red Sox need some help in the outfield in 2021. When that time comes, they will look to the minors. While Duran is a top option, Marcus Wilson should be one too.
All I’m saying is pay close attention to Spring Training. Expect to see Wilson thrust himself into more conversations. And don’t be surprised if you see him in the Majors in 2021 – great things could be in his future.