Does Yordanny Monegro bring his swagger to Portland?
Speaking of Yordanny Monegro, do we see the electric pitcher find his way to Double-A?
It feels like a given that Luis Perales will be in Portland at some point in 2024. The righty already has eight starts (36 1/3 innings) in High-A, and he made 17 starts (64 innings) in Single-A. That puts him in line nicely for a midseason promotion.
Monegro was possibly the most exciting pitcher to watch in Boston's system last season. Due to that, some fans might not realize how little he pitched.
The right-handed pitcher made three starts (15 innings) in the FCL, nine starts (40 2/3 innings) in Single-A, and two appearances (10 innings) in High-A.
Monegro was incredible in that time. He posted a 2.06 ERA, .194 BAA, and 1.10 WHIP between the three levels. Pikachu struck out 93 batters compared to 26 walks in 65 2/3 innings.
That's the thing, though. 65 2/3 innings isn't all that much time. Perales nearly threw that many innings in High-A alone in 2023. So, expecting Monegro to be right behind him just because they both finished the season in Greenville feels misguided.
Monegro is extremely entertaining, too. He has a good fastball and a devastatingly elite curveball. However, there's still a lot the Red Sox will want to work on with him. Forcing the pitcher through the minor leagues rapidly won't do him any favors.
The Red Sox might want him to work on other pitches or find more consistency with his fastball. Maybe they want to see him work on his command. Whatever it is, at least we know Monegro will make it fun to watch.
For my money, I would guess that Monegro will make it to Double-A before the end of the season. But it shouldn't be considered a failure if he stays in High-A all year.