Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: 2021 MiLB season finally here

Triple-A (Worcester Red Sox)

The Pawtucket Red Sox are no more, we now have the Worcester Red Sox. And the Woo Sox are a pretty fun squad right now. While they are currently just 2-4, there are a number of star prospects on the roster who could get the call at some point this year. That makes this a very watchable team.

Let’s talk about Jarren Duran first. He started the year 0-for-11 but had back-to-back three-hit games to get back on track. The left-handed hitter now has a .261 average (6-for-23) with one home run. He has walked three times and scored four runs. Watch out because if he’s getting hot, the numbers can move quickly.

Jeter Downs is sporting a low average that could jump up quickly too. The middle infielder is 5-for-23 (.217) but has all five hits in his last three games. Downs has one double, three runs scored, and two walks. So nothing really jumps out right there. However, he’s also stolen three bases on three attempts. Even when he’s struggling at the plate he finds ways to make an impact.

We have a trend here, but Connor Wong is hitting just .200 at the moment. We are six games in so if you are worried then that’s a little ridiculous, he’s 3-for-15. One good game and he’s over .300. Wong played one game at second and struggled (three errors) but has looked great in three games as catcher. He’s even caught both base runners that tried to steal on him.

Marcus Wilson is not having the same early-season struggles. The outfielder is slashing .278/.381/.556 with a triple and a home run. He has three walks and has driven in three runs while scoring two more, also going 2-for-2 on stolen base attempts. Importantly, Wilson’s also an elite defender.

Chad De La Guerra is 2-for-9 with three walks (.222 average and .462 OBP) with one triple, one RBI, and one run scored. DLG is 28 and has never played in the Majors, but that is mainly due to injuries in my opinion. He has the skill set of a guy that could hit .280-plus consistently at the top level. And he plays second, third, and shortstop. Hopefully he gets a chance at some point.

Josh Ockimey is 1-for-18 with a walk and a run. He has 13 strikeouts at the moment. Things are not going great. However, a few things here. First of all, again – it’s the beginning of the season after a year off. Yes, I’m going to keep hammering that home. Second, Ock can be a streaky hitter. So a few cold spells will come. That being said, expect to see him hit some homers in bunches too.

For the pitchers lets start with a quick note on Tanner Houck. He looked solid in the Majors but has been shut down due to injury.

Then we move on to another pitcher that has been in the Majors this year, Eduard Bazardo. The Red Sox used him for a doubleheader, where he threw one shutout inning. So far in the minors this year he has allowed four runs in 1 2/3 innings. Obviously that doesn’t look good but early stats mean little for relievers because everyone has an implosion game or two. A career 2.66 ERA, he’ll be fine.

Bobby Poyner is a depth option for the bullpen. He’s proving he deserves a look at some point in again as he’s already thrown 4 2/3 shutout innings in 2021. That comes with just four hits allowed and only one walk compared to four strikeouts.