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Boston Red Sox Prospects: Who will make their MLB debut in 2022?

By Hunter Noll

BOSTON, MA - JULY 28: Jarren Duran #40 of the Boston Red Sox follows watches a hit against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning of game two of a doubleheader at Fenway Park on July 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 28: Jarren Duran #40 of the Boston Red Sox follows watches a hit against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning of game two of a doubleheader at Fenway Park on July 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 02: The Red Sox logo seen outside of Fenway Park on what would have been the home opening day for the Boston Red Sox against the Chicago White Sox April 2, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. In response to the pandemic, Major League Baseball suspended the remainder of Spring Training games and to delay the start of the 2020 regular season. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Red Sox shortstop prospect Cameron Cannon

Cameron Cannon has all the offensive tools to be a star. The shortstop has solid speed, good pop, and can put the barrel on the ball at a heavy clip.

Cannon slashed .284/.331/.440 with 30 doubles and 11 home runs in 405 at-bats combined between High-A and Double-A. The right-handed hitter drove in 53 runs and scored 61 more, stealing nine bases. So right off the bat, he showed the versatility that he brings. Cannon has the ability to rack up the doubles and hit for a great average. But there’s also a chance he could hit 20-plus home runs and steal 15-plus bases.

The issue here is that Cannon plays shortstop. And Bogaerts is already holding that spot down. Even more than that, Fitzgerald is probably on the list ahead of him when it comes to call-ups.

Cannon can also play second base though. And while Jeter Downs is ahead of him at that position, the flexibility doesn’t hurt. His middle infield status gives Boston some options. If there are injuries or poor play at either of the two positions, suddenly Cannon is moving up on the totem pole.

The 24-year-old isn’t an elite defender, but he’s pretty underrated there. Decent range and quick feet, with a good glove. Solid arm too, as he can make the throws from shortstop and would look even better at second base.

However, Cannon’s going to start the season in Double-A. He still has just 24 games (94 at-bats) at that level. So the Red Sox are going to want him to keep improving there. Especially considering his slash line (.223/.263/383) left a little to be desired. Of course, it’s not surprising that someone struggled a bit in a short amount of time after a call-up. There tends to be an adjustment period.

But they’ll still want Cannon to find his footing there. It’s likely that he gets a couple months there before any other move is mad (barring just an absolutely blazing streak). After that though, Cannon could be on the short-list to get called up if something is to happen.

Still, there are a few players ahead of him and the Red Sox will definitely want to see him keep improving before making any moves. A great prospect, but there are too many moving parts at the moment. Due to that, Cameron Cannon’s 2022 MLB debut temperature meter sits at “cool”.

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