3 Red Sox non-roster invitees that could make an impact in 2024
The Boston Red Sox announced 13 non-roster invitees for Spring Training. Who amongst them might make an impact in 2024?
On Friday, the Boston Red Sox announced 13 non-roster invitees that will be joining the team at spring training in a few weeks.
Of those 13 players, there were five pitchers (Luis Guerrero, Justin Hagenman, Alex Hoppe, A.J. Politi, and Chase Shugart), four catchers (Nathan Hickey, Mark Kolozsvary, Roberto Pérez, and Stephen Scott), three infielders (Chase Meidroth, Nick Sogard, and Nick Yorke), and one outfielder (Corey Rosier).
With Boston not making many moves this offseason, could any of these players be set up to make a serious impact in 2024?
Justin Hagenman put up great numbers in Triple-A in 2023. Hagenman not being slotted into the bullpen already makes it feel like the Red Sox don't have a clear plan for the 27-year-old.
Alex Hoppe has an electric arm that can top 100 MPH on his fastball. He'll be a fun bullpen piece soon. However, he only has 14 innings in Double-A.
A.J. Politi didn't get protected in the Rule 5 draft last offseason. Then, he had a slightly down year in 2024. So, even though he's proven himself an effective reliever, Boston doesn't seem to view him as a vital piece.
Chase Shugart's had some good runs but a lot of rough stretches, too. The righty will likely have to dominate Triple-A to get a shot at the Majors.
Nathan Hickey is dominant with the bat. However, his defense behind the plate needs a lot of work. The left-handed hitter is also still in Double-A, so it feels unlikely.
Mark Kolozsvary seems like a fine in-case-of-emergency catcher. However, he won't even be the first option out of Triple-A (if he makes the roster).
Roberto Pérez is a great defensive catcher, which could help his case. Perhaps the perfect role for him is helping the pitchers in Triple-A, though.
Nick Sogard plays multiple positions well and gets on base at a high clip. However, the switch-hitter gives off Ryan Fitzgerald vibes in the sense that the Red Sox are always going to value someone else more, and Sogard might not get the shot he deserves.
Nick Yorke had a great bounceback year in Double-A and could start 2024 in Triple-A. The right-handed hitter is still young (21), and Boston will likely want him to get a lot of time at the level before seeing the Majors.
Corey Rosier has a great glove, gets on base, and has elite speed, but is facing an uphill battle with the Red Sox having so many outfielders on the roster ahead of him. So who's left?
3 Red Sox non-roster invitees that could make an impact in 2024
Boston Red Sox relief prospect Luis Guerrero
Luis Guerrero spent the majority of the 2023 season terrorizing hitters in Double-A.
The right-handed reliever posted a 1.81 ERA, .150 BAA, and 1.13 WHIP in 43 appearances at the level. He struck out 59 batters compared to 30 walks in 49 2/3 innings. Guerrero also racked up 18 saves. The walks were an issue, but he showed signs of being able to get that under control. And the dominance led to a late-season promotion to Triple-A.
The Red Sox have high hopes for the flamethrower. He could be in line to be their long-term closer. In order for that to happen, though, Guerrero will need to show improved control in Triple-A. If he can do that, Boston could call on his services this season. Don't be surprised if he's immediately thrust into a big role.
The Red Sox have a fully-stocked bullpen, but have quite a few pieces that could be moved during the season. One of those pieces is already being mentioned quite a bit in trade talks.
If Boston trades Kenley Jansen, Guerrero's path opens up even more. No, he won't be the closer from day one, but the Red Sox might not see a need for him to work much in Triple-A as long as the walks are down.
It might take a month or two, but once Luis Guerrero arrives, expect him to play a major role in the bullpen for the Sox in 2024.
Boston Red Sox catching prospect Stephen Scott
Catcher Stephen Scott is in a weird position with the Red Sox. They already have Connor Wong and Reese McGuire in the Majors. Meanwhile, there are a few players not far behind him who are viewed much more favorably as prospects (most notably Nathan Hickey and Kyle Teel).
Beyond that, there are reasons for the Red Sox to go with other options. Roberto Pérez has plenty of MLB experience and is a great defensive catcher. Scott, on the other hand, struggles with his defense. However, let's argue his case.
Scott is relatively new to catching full-time. The 26-year-old appeared in just 19 MiLB games at catcher before 2022. He then made 67 appearances at the position that season and 62 more in 2023.
While his defense isn't great, there are positive signs. He's shown improvements, and with such little work behind the plate, it's not wild to think he could continue to get better.
Then there's his offense. The left-handed hitter batted .235/.350/.462 with 16 doubles, two triples, and 19 home runs in 403 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He drove in 66 runs, scored 59 more, and stole six bases in 100 games.
Scott doesn't strike out much, works counts, gets on base, and hits for power. He's a complete offensive threat who is slowly improving behind the plate.
If the Red Sox need a longer-term solution at catcher in 2024 (a serious injury or a trade/release), they might turn to Scott to help boost the offense while they wait for Teel to arrive.
Boston Red Sox infield prospect Chase Meidroth
Chase Meidroth made quick work of High-A at the start of 2023. In 20 games, the right-handed hitter had a nearly .500 OBP (.495). His uncanny ability to get on base led to an early-season promotion.
Meidroth spent the rest of the season in Double-A. The infielder hit .255/.386/.375 with 16 doubles and seven home runs in 396 plate appearances. He drove in 43 runs, scored 59 more, and stole nine bases in 91 games. Meidroth kept his strikeouts down and his walks up in the process.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old started to showcase his defensive prowess, appearing at second base, third base, and shortstop. It became a weekly routine to see a few web gems from Meidroth. He was making over-the-shoulder grabs, barehanding baseballs ricocheting off the third base bag, and throwing darts to first base.
The big knock on Meidroth is a lack of power in his swing. However, he even managed to show improvements there by the end of the season.
The question has always been: will the lack of power come back to hurt Meidroth? If pitchers aren't afraid to pitch to him, will he start to struggle? The walks will go down, and he won't be able to capitalize on pitches in the zone.
But we don't agree at all. Meidroth has phenomenal bat-to-ball skills. Yes, he's got a great eye, which leads to walks and favorable counts. But if pitchers start only throwing him pitches in the zone, he'll feast.
That's not to say Meidroth will suddenly become a 30-home run guy, but his batting average will likely be through the roof. He's an OBP beast who won't strike out and can play strong defense at multiple positions.
Don't be shocked if Meidroth starts the year in Triple-A (or right on the cusp). If things go well there, he could be a regularly used infield piece in the Major Leagues quickly (especially if injuries crop up).
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