The Boston Red Sox's bullpen has imploded over the last few weeks, leading to the team falling deeper and deeper out of the playoff race.
It was clear that something needed to change. Enter, Luis Guerrero.
On Friday, MiLB reporter Chase Ford broke the news that the Red Sox have promoted their top relief pitching prospect. Boston has designated Rich Hill for assignment as the corresponding move to Guerrero's call-up.
The right-handed reliever was a 17th-round draft pick back in 2021. Guerrero broke out during a 2023 campaign that saw him dominate Double-A before getting a cup of coffee in Triple-A.
Red Sox promote top bullpen prospect Luis Guerrero during wild card push
Guerrero has had some ups and downs this season but has been good for the majority of his age-24 campaign. He's been particularly dominant since early August. Guerrero has allowed one run in 13 1/3 innings since he allowed three runs in an inning on Aug. 2. Known for having some command issues, the 24-year-old only surrendered five walks compared to 23 strikeouts over that stretch.
Three batters faced. Three strikeouts.
— Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) August 31, 2024
Luis Guerrero hasn't allowed a run in his last 9 outings with 12.1 IP & 22K during that timeframe. pic.twitter.com/cArYBsWP9r
Guerrero has a 3.31 ERA to pair with a .198 BAA and a 1.31 WHIP in 42 appearances. He's racked up 79 strikeouts compared to 32 walks (and nine HBP) in 54 1/3 innings this season.
Red Sox designate recently signed fan-favorite Rich Hill for assignment to add Luis Guerrero to 40-man roster
He's lacked command at times, but Guerrero has lethal stuff. He boasts a fastball that touches 100 miles per hour on the radar gun. Sometimes, it doesn't do much, but there is great movement on it at other times. Meanwhile, he has a very good slider and a devastating splitter. The slider is his most inconsistent pitch, but it's unhittable when he's feeling it. The pitch works in the high 80s and sweeps, which gets hitters to flail.
Guerrero's splitter falls out as it gets to the plate. The pitch sits in the low 80s with a great dip. It confuses hitters who are looking for the fastball and tends to leave them looking foolish.
Guerrero has looked like a legitimate option to be the Red Sox's closer of the future since last year. There are obvious issues that need to be ironed out, but all the physical stuff is there. He'll make his audition this year as someone who can hopefully fix some of the bullpen problems and help the Red Sox make a final playoff push.