5 dream targets for Red Sox in Rule 5 draft
Boston could address key holes on its roster by adding high-level prospects this week
There are a wide variety of ways that MLB teams can add talent during the offseason.
One such example is the Rule 5 draft, an annual event in which big-league clubs can choose to use their open 40-man roster spots to poach qualified, unprotected prospects from other organizations.
You can refer to this previous BSI article for more information on the Rule 5 draft and which Red Sox prospects might be poached.
While Boston might lose some players in this event, they also have open 40-man roster spots and therefore could make an addition. Here are five targets in the Rule 5 draft who could provide immediate production for the Red Sox next season.
Devin Mann, INF, Royals
Mann was a fifth-round pick of the Dodgers back in 2018. He developed within the Los Angeles farm system before being traded to the Royals in a deal centered around Ryan Yarbrough last summer.
Through 126 games at Triple-A last season, Mann slashed .265/.369/.459 with a 118 wRC+, 20 homers, 79 walks, and 149 strikeouts. It's evident that he provided key contributions on offense, but needs to drastically reduce his strikeout-to-walk ratio.
At 26 years old, Mann is on the precipice of reaching the majors. He offers plenty of defensive versatility, logging time at all four infield positions plus left field last year, and would give Boston a platoon second baseman who could also play first base or come off the bench in particular matchups. Of course, he'd have to remain on the active MLB roster all year, lest he be returned to his previous team.
Ian Bedell, RHP, Cardinals
Bedell hasn’t played a single game above High-A, but making that jump to the majors is far more reasonable for pitchers than position players. Plus, when you have a pitcher of Bedell’s caliber, that’s a risk you’re certainly willing to take.
The 24-year-old is a Missouri product who was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He made 27 appearances (19 starts) at High-A last season, amassing a 2.44 ERA, 9.94 K/9, 3.19 BB/9, and 39.3 percent ground ball rate.
Bedell does have potential as a starter, but Boston would presumably deploy him as a reliever. Out of the bullpen, he could keep his velocity higher and rely more on his plus curveball. For what it’s worth, MLB Pipeline ranks Bedell as the Cardinals’ No. 16 prospect, so there is certainly optimism about the right-hander throughout the industry.
Carlos De La Cruz, OF, Phillies
De La Cruz ranks sixth among MLB Pipeline’s top Phillies prospects and is an amazing physical specimen at 6-foot-8. Despite his large frame, he possesses impressive range and athleticism. Capable of making highlight reel plays, De La Cruz might be able to stick in center field long term.
Through 129 games last season (all at Double-A), De La Cruz slashed .259/.344/.454 with 24 home runs and a 118 wRC+. He struck out a bit more than you’d like from a Double-A hitter, but he has very good reverse splits while boasting tremendous athleticism and power.
De La Cruz will likely open 2024 at Triple-A if he’s with the Phillies, but you could argue that he’d be ready for MLB action with a new club if he gets a full Spring Training’s worth of reps. Boston doesn’t have a major need for outfield reinforcements, but it’s hard to ignore such an athletic, high-upside prospect.
Matt Sauer, RHP, Yankees
Red Sox fans are still celebrating their theft of Garrett Whitlock from the Yankees in the 2019 Rule 5 draft, but they could commit another coup this week. Sauer was a 2017 second-round pick who provides immediate pro-ready relief as a rotation or bullpen option.
Sauer, much like Whitlock, is a talented right-hander with impressive velocity and an effective slider. Drafted out of high school, the California native has enjoyed a steady rise through the minors, posting results at every stop along the way. Through 17 games (16 starts) across three levels last year, Sauer posted a 3.41 ERA, .189 OBA, 11.31 K/9, and 4.14 BB/9.
The Red Sox would love to see him cut down on walks and home runs, but they can’t afford to ignore the talent and pro-ready profile here. Sauer could immediately contribute out of the bullpen, using his high-velocity fastball and effective breaking ball to provide value in the late or middle innings.
Aaron Schunk, INF, Rockies
Schunk is a former second-round pick who, like Mann, is 26 years old and has reached Triple-A. His relatively high age in a rebuilding organization is likely the reason why Colorado left him unprotected ahead of the Rule 5 draft.
At Triple-A last season, Schunk slashed .290/.350/.461 with 14 homers, 77 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. These are solid offensive numbers, but there remain some concerns with his 8.7 percent walk rate, 24.0 percent strikeout rate, and 93 wRC+.
Schunk, a two-way prospect in college, has spent most of his time at third base thanks to his strong arm. In Boston, he’d obviously be blocked at the position by Rafael Devers but should be able to handle a switch to second base, which has been his secondary position ever since being drafted.