Spring training is in full swing for the Boston Red Sox, and more than just their usual stars are shining in Grapefruit League play.
With the regular season fewer than three weeks away, there aren't too many battles for lineup spots, just for defensive positions. Still, plenty of players have made the most of their spring and their performances could earn them spots on the Opening Day roster.
Under-the-radar players making noise at Red Sox spring training
Trayce Thompson, RF
If Thompson makes the team, he'll most likely be a utility bench player, with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu set to begin the season in the outfield. But there's no denying that Thompson has been raking this spring. So far, he's gone 9-for-24 with six homers. Needless to say, his homer total leads the team in spring training play.
Thompson has been a journeyman throughout his career, but he's certainly had flashes of excellent hitting. Is six home runs per 23 plate appearances at all sustainable? Of course not. But it's always nice to see, and it's a strong case for giving him a roster spot.
Trevor Story, SS
Story's tenure in Boston has been much maligned, and with good reason. He's struggled to stay healthy, and when he has played, he hasn't been as good as advertised — not exactly what you pay $140 million over six years for. While he's not exactly "under the radar," he certainly seems like the forgotten member of the infield, with all of the drama surrounding Bregman and Devers and the trade rumors about Casas. It's good to see him off to a flying start this spring, as he's gone 11-for-24 with a 1.355 OPS in the eight games he's played. If the Sox can get Story back to his Colorado self, their lineup will be scary.
Michael Fulmer, P
The Red Sox signed Fulmer, who didn't pitch at all last year, to a minor league contract in February. Although he was a starter early in his career, the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year has since transitioned to the bullpen, where he'll almost certainly be if he does make the Red Sox roster. So far, he's making a strong case for himself, as he's only allowed one run in 6.2 innings. Fulmer is another guy who the Sox are hoping will return to his former self, as he can be a valuable depth arm in the bullpen. You can never have too much pitching.
Nick Sogard, 2B
With how crowded the infield is, Sogard doesn't have much of a path to regular starts with the Red Sox. Even so, he's been very impressive this spring, going 10-for-30 with a 1.029 OPS. Sogard did have a solid year in AAA Worcester last year, which led to him getting some big league playing time towards the end of the season. That being said, he didn't exactly dazzle in his 86 plate appearances, posting just a .650 OPS, hence why he fits in the "under- the-radar" category. But if Sogard has taken a step forward at the plate, he could be a useful depth bat and utility man in the infield, as he played all four infield positions at some point last year.