Why Red Sox prospect Juan Daniel Encarnacion is poised to break out in 2023

Pitching prospect Juan Daniel Encarnacion is a top breakout candidate for the Boston Red Sox in the 2023 season

The Boston Red Sox pitching staff didn’t excite fans in 2022. If you ask them who they want Chaim Bloom to acquire this offseason, most fans will shout “pitching” before you even finish the question.

Luckily, Boston has some incredible young talent at the position. Brayan Bello has already made his mark in the Major Leagues. Bryan Mata is knocking on the door as well. And of course, there are all those bullpen arms already in the Majors or waiting in the wings.

What about lower in the minor leagues though? The players that might not be helping in Boston this season, but could be serious contributors in a few years.

In the lower levels, the Red Sox have Luis Perales, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, and Wikelman Gonzalez. Those are the players that most fans are excited about, and rightfully so. But what about the maybe lesser-known names that could be poised for a breakout? Juan Daniel Encarnacion sticks out in that category to me.

If you don’t know much about Encarnacion, that’s excusable. The right-handed pitcher spent a heavy majority of his season in Low-A. There, the 21-year-old made 24 appearances (23 starts). Encarnacion posted a 4.09 ERA, .242 BAA, 1.30 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts (compared to 39 walks) over 103 1/3 innings. Impressively, he only allowed three home runs.

The Dominican Republic native then made two starts in High-A to end his season. There he allowed four runs over 10 innings (3.60 ERA). He also lowered his BAA (.200) and WHIP (1.00) while at the level. His 10 strikeouts compared to three walks, and only one home run allowed also deserve to be highlighted.

The fact that Encarnacion was so consistent over 113 1/3 innings of work should be praised. It wouldn’t be a shock if someone in their first full season in the minors hit a wall at some point. That never happened for Encarnacion.

A pitch mix that features a fastball, slurve, and changeup is fun. He features good movement, a change of speed, and great control. If he continues his improvements, things could get fun.

And now 2023 is set up perfectly for the pitcher. He’ll start the season in High-A. That already gets him a little more recognition. He’s proven himself for a full season and has a chance to make it to Double-A in 2023. Keep a look out for Juan Daniel Encarnacion, he could be the next breakout pitching prospect for the Boston Red Sox.