Which Red Sox prospects could make their MLB debuts in 2022?
The Boston Red Sox had a very successful 2021 season. It included a run to the ALCS, although many before the season didn’t see this as a playoff team.
One of the reasons for that was the contributions that the team got from some unexpected sources. Obviously, Hunter Renfroe had a career-year type of season. Kiké Hernandez was phenomenal as well. J.D. Martinez returned to form, and Kevin Plawecki was a tough out. Bobby Dalbec got hot for a while as well.
There were a number of rookies that made their Major League debut that had impacts too.
Jarren Duran struggled in his limited time in the Majors. But he provided a spark at times, and the outfielder should still be considered a serious part of the future in Boston. Catcher Connor Wong was called to action a few times and didn’t blink. Even infielder Jack Lopez got to take a few at-bats.
Pitching wise, there was a bigger impact. Connor Seabold and Kutter Crawford both got to make their first career starts in the Majors. Kaleb Ort and Raynel Espinal saw the mound in relief as well. Eduard Bazardo threw three innings and it likely would’ve been more if he didn’t get injured, as he looked fantastic in that time.
Hirokazu Sawamura may have been 33 last year, but it was still his first season in the Majors. So he counts here, and posted great numbers despite some fans souring on him. The right-hander managed a 3.06 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 53 innings (the 32 walks might be what caused some to watch through their fingers when he was on the mound).
Finally there was the star of the rookies, Garrett Whitlock. The now-25-year-old righty tossed a hefty 73 1/3 innings out of the bullpen last season for the Red Sox. He went 8-4 with 14 holds and two saves. Whitlock also posted a 1.96 ERA, .233 BAA, and 1.10 WHIP. He struck out 81 batters compared to just 17 walks.
It’s safe to say the Red Sox wouldn’t have gotten as far in 2021 if it wasn’t for the rookies that made their debut in the season.
With that in mind, which prospects could we see get their first taste of the Majors in 2022? Let’s take a look at some (in no particular order) and rate them on a scale from ice-cold to burning-hot based on the likelihood of a debut happening for them in the upcoming season.
Just a quick reminder, these are all subject to change. This is just their rating on the scale based off of right now. Once the lockout is over and more free agent signings happen, things will change. I mean, if Boston snags someone like Trevor Story for example – that’s changing a lot of ratings pretty quickly.