The Boston Red Sox had a busy Rule 5 Draft back in December, losing a few prospects but gaining quite a few back. One of the prospects they brought in is left-handed pitcher Caden Vire.
Vire probably seems like an inconsequential addition to plenty of fans. Coming out of high school in the 2021 MLB Draft, he was selected in the 12th round by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Injuries have been an issue for Vire. He’s thrown just 27 2/3 innings since being drafted. Only 3 2/3 of those innings came above Rookie Ball (all came this season in Single-A). The lefty struggled in those 3 2/3 innings — Vire allowed eight runs on two hits, 10 walks, and two HBP. He struck out seven batters, but that was a small consolation prize.
So why am I telling you about him? I was lucky enough to get some insight from a prominent figure in the Red Sox organization. They gave me a few reasons they find Vire intriguing.
Red Sox intrigued by 2025 Rule 5 Draft selection, lefty pitcher Caden Vire
Vire is a 22-year-old who was drafted out of high school and has limited professional experience. He’s listed at 6’6”, 170 lbs. The frame is there, and he has some filling out potential.
The lefty is in the 80th percentile with nearly seven feet of extension. Boston has a very recent extension success story in Payton Tolle. Extension helps to make the pitch jump on hitters much faster. With his increased velocity, Tolle flew through the minor leagues and got his cup of coffee in the majors in September during a playoff chase.
You can’t expect that type of growth from everyone (or anyone, really). However, it lays a nice foundation for Vire's development. The Red Sox know the blueprint and can try to work some magic again.
It’s not just the extension, though. His fastball plays “crazy well,” per a Red Sox source, thanks to nearly 18 inches of induced vertical break. That’s well above the major league average. Having a pitch that already has MLB attributes gives the Red Sox something to build on.
Finally, the Sox simply love his slider. A good slider/fastball combination gives Vire a floor. The Red Sox can look to tweak or add other pitches, but they at least know he has those two pitches while he figures things out.
There isn’t much on Vire. The 22-year-old has thrown just 27 2/3 innings in the minor leagues since he was drafted in 2021, but Boston saw enough to take a chance on him, and he certainly has me intrigued.