The Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch is coming to a close for the 2022 season
We’ve finally arrived at the last Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch of the year. Low-A and High-A regular seasons ended on Sunday, so while there will still be plenty of content, it will be in different forms.
Luckily, we not only have a lot to talk about this week but there will be a lot going on the rest of the year, as Boston has plenty of young talent in the Majors at the moment.
Triston Casas is just 2-for-21 so far. However, the left-handed hitting first baseman has hit his first Major League home run. He’s also looked solid at the plate. Casas has been working counts and hasn’t let the short struggle press him at the plate. This is exactly why calling him up this year made so much sense though. This gives Casas time to get acclimated to the Majors before next season. Remember how bad Aaron Judge looked for the New York Yankees when he was called up at the end of a year?
Connor Wong has impressed. The right-handed hitting catcher has shown life at the plate. 5-for-22 isn’t great, but one good game and you’d change your tune on that. Meanwhile, he’s drawn a few walks and has a couple of extra-base hits (including his first-career home run). Wong has also shown a great arm behind the plate.
Brayan Bello had a great start spoiled this week. The right-handed pitcher gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings. All three runs came in the sixth when he ran into some trouble, and the bullpen couldn’t help him out. Bello did tie a career-high with seven strikeouts though. And it was the second straight encouraging start. It looks like he’s getting more comfortable in the Majors.
Zack Kelly has wasted no time in proving he belongs. The right-handed reliever gave up two runs in one inning of work in his third Major League appearance. He hasn’t allowed a run outside of that though. Kelly has a 2.70 ERA, .217 BAA, 1.20 WHIP, and six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings so far.
The Red Sox aren’t making the playoffs this season (barring some insane miracle). But they get to give fans an exciting product. It’s great to see the team look a little more relaxed, and the infusion of young talent has made a difference.
Let’s look to the minor leagues though, and see who’s ending their season with a bang.