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Boston Red Sox Prospects: Handing out awards for 2022

By Hunter Noll

BOSTON, MA - JULY 22: Boston Red Sox 2021 first round draft pick Marcelo Mayer reacts with Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox as he takes ground balls after signing a contract with the club on July 22, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 22: Boston Red Sox 2021 first round draft pick Marcelo Mayer reacts with Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox as he takes ground balls after signing a contract with the club on July 22, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox Andrew Politi
FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 28: Andrew Politi #91 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a spring training team workout at jetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 28, 2021 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Red Sox relief pitching prospect of the year – Andrew Politi

Andrew Politi had some incredible competition for this award this year. However, two of his biggest competitors ended up receiving the call-up to the Majors late in the year. Zack Kelly and Franklin German are both getting their shot in Boston.

Politi should be there too, if we’re being honest. The right-handed reliever has been absolute nails all year long. Starting the year in Double-A, Politi was facing an uphill battle. He posted some ugly stats in 2021 while being a starter for most of the season. Converting to a reliever for his last few outings, things were looking positive, but he still needed to prove himself.

2022 has left zero doubt, the bullpen fits Politi perfectly.

It didn’t take long for the 26-year-old to earn a promotion to Triple-A. He didn’t skip a beat following the move. Politi posted a 2.34 ERA, .186 BAA, and 0.97 WHIP between Double-A and Triple-A. In 69 1/3 innings, the righty struck out 83 batters while walking just 22. He only surrendered six home runs and went a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities.

It’s pretty baffling that Politi didn’t get a chance in the Majors this year. He was so consistently dominant. There were very few hiccups in his season. Even following his promotion to Triple-A he didn’t seem phased.

Politi has four pitches. Pitch one is a fastball that works in the low-to-mid-90s. Then there’s a mid-80s slider with a hard break to it, his best pitch. Next, a high-70s curveball drops significantly on hitters. Finally, a changeup in the mid-80s with a short late fade.

There’s a ton of variety in that pitch mix. Andrew Politi uses it perfectly to toy with hitters, leading to a lot of strikeouts and plenty of weak contact. He won’t qualify for prospect awards next year, because he should start 2023 in the Major Leagues.

Honorable Mention:

Michael Gettys: 2.23 ERA, .272 BAA, and 1.32 WHIP in 48 1/3 innings pitched between High-A and Double-A. Made major strides when promoted to Portland.

Luis Guerrero: 22-year-old righty posted a 3.23 ERA, .181 BAA, 1.10 WHIP, and 59 Ks in 39 innings between Rookie Ball, Low-A, and High-A.

Brian Keller: 28-year-old righty posted a 3.27 ERA, .200 BAA, 1.18 WHIP, and 126 Ks in 113 innings in Triple-A (20 starts, 11 relief appearances).

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