Red Sox pitching prospect projected to make big strides this offseason

It's no secret that the Red Sox could use some more pitching. In 2024, they allowed 4.61 runs per game, which was eighth-worst in MLB. While Tanner Houck was terrific, he was the only routine starter with a sub-4.00 ERA. It didn't help that their only offseason acquisition in that department, Lucas Giolito, spent the entire season on the injured list. These struggles, coupled with Nick Pivetta hitting free agency, mean Boston will be scrambling to find pitching depth.

But the Red Sox may not have to look far from home for a solution. Although the farm system is very position player-heavy, one pitching prospect in particular is hoping to make real progress going into 2025.

David Sandlin is the second-ranked pitching prospect in the Red Sox system. Originally a Kansas City Royals draftee, Boston picked up Sandlin back in February in exchange for reliever John Schreiber. For an organization with relatively little pitching depth, Sandlin was a key acquisition, which no doubt led to the Red Sox holding onto him when the trade deadline came. He began the season in High-A Greenville and was promoted to Double-A Portland in late July.

Sandlin's stats as a minor leaguer haven't been the most encouraging. In 57 1/3 innings across High-A and Double-A this year, he managed just a 5.34 ERA. The home run ball in particular hurt him, as he gave up 14 blasts for a 2.2 home runs per nine mark. That's bad.

What is encouraging, however, is his pitch mix. MLB graded his fastball, curveball and slider a 55 on their 20-80 scale, giving him three above-average pitches. This season, his fastball has topped out at over 100 mph, always an appealing asset.

That stuff hasn't been on full display this season, but there are still some signs of it in his stats. In spite of his struggles, he struck out nearly a third of batters he faced and posted an elite 4.56 strikeout to walk ratio. While he needs to better limit hard contact to compete at the big league level, it's clear that he has serious swing-and-miss stuff.

Can Sandlin contribute for the Red Sox this year? There's no doubt of his potential, but he'll probably have to cut his ERA down at Double-A before the Sox consider moving him up the ranks. Also, because he threw more than four innings just once this year, it's unlikely he gets tossed into the fray as a starter. But with his big heater and wipeout secondary pitches, he could easily fill a bullpen role.

The 'pen was just as weak as the rotation last year, so the Sox can use all the relief arms they can get. Sandlin could be just the strikeout weapon they need.