Luis Guerrero has become a fan favorite nearly as fast as his heater that had Lou Merloni gushing during the Spring Breakout game.
The Boston Red Sox drafted the right-handed pitcher in the 17th round of the 2021 MLB draft and Guerrero emerged as a legitimate "closer of the future" candidate.
Guerrero humiliated Double-A pitching for most of the 2023 season before getting a cup of coffee in Triple-A to end his campaign.
With a fastball that can hit 100 on the radar gun and electric breaking stuff, it's easy to see why Guerrero is so highly-touted.
In his season debut on March 29, he struck out one batter over 1.1 perfect innings. We caught up with him after his appearance to talk about the Spring Breakout game and his much-hyped future.
Congratulations to Luis Guerrero and Ceddanne Rafaela for being named to the Red Sox #SpringBreakout roster, including the organization's top prospects!https://t.co/DJEHgH2VzX pic.twitter.com/DdWqzt1kmX
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) March 7, 2024
Red Sox prospect Luis Guerrero discusses his performance in the Spring Breakout game
Q: You were in the Spring Breakout game a couple of weeks ago. What was that atmosphere for you like?
"It was great playing with a bunch of prospects and seeing how I match up against those guys. It was a great atmosphere with a lot of good ball players on the field."
Q: Did you get to watch the broadcast back? Red Sox announcer Lou Merloni was hyping you up. He kept talking about the fastball hitting "a hundy." What's the hype been like for you? Or have you just kept your head down and kept going?
"I heard it. It's good when people talk good about me because it means the hard work's paying off. But at the end of the day, I know I throw hard, but I'm just trying to get strikes and do my job and get outs."
Q: At this point, a lot of fans know your story and that you grew up in the area. What was that like to get drafted by the Red Sox?
"I'm very very blessed. My family is close by, which is amazing. I want to get to Boston and have them come to watch me play. But at the end of the day, I'm just excited to be here and do my job."
Q: Last year, the Red Sox made it clear they wanted to work you out as a closer. You finished the season with 19 saves. Is there a different adrenaline to coming out in the ninth, or is it all the same for you?
"It doesn't matter if I start, open, relieve, or close. I just want to do my job and get outs and help the team."
Q: The last homegrown closer for the Red Sox was Jonathan Papelbon. Is there any extra pressure for you trying to live up to that?
"Obviously, if I end up having a career like Papelbon, glory to God, but, I'm just excited to be here and throw and work my way to Fenway."