Boston Red Sox: 10 bold predictions for the 2022 season

FT. MYERS, FL - MARCH 31: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins on March 31, 2022 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - MARCH 31: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins on March 31, 2022 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
7 of 10
FT. MYERS, FL – MARCH 13: Jeter Downs of the Boston Red Sox reacts during a spring training team workout on March 13, 2022 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL – MARCH 13: Jeter Downs of the Boston Red Sox reacts during a spring training team workout on March 13, 2022 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

The Red Sox trade a big-name prospect at the deadline

The Red Sox are not good enough to win a championship right now. They have numerous question marks in the rotation, a spotty back-end of the bullpen, and have a dearth of left-handed power hitters alongside Devers.

To be a serious contender, the Red Sox are going to need to add a marquee player at the trade deadline, which means parting with one of their top prospects. The only question is which one. Tristan Casas and Marcelo Mayer seem like obvious untouchables. Jarren Duran will likely already be in the majors by the trade deadline. Nick Yorke may be movable, but it would likely take a Jose Ramirez type for the Red Sox to part with their Minor League player of the year.

That leaves Jeter Downs as the top prospect most likely to be on the move. Downs was the biggest prospect acquired in the Mookie Betts deal but had a disastrous debut season with the Paw Sox (.192/.272/.333). He now finds himself blocked by Xander Bogaerts and new acquisition Trevor Story and jumped in the rankings by Nick Yorke and Marcelo Mayer.

Though he may not have a clear role in the Red Sox’s future plans anymore, he is still young enough and rebuilt enough value during a strong Arizona Fall League performance to bring back a player that can help the big league club.

Schedule