Countdown to Sox Spring: Devers fills the void at 3B

This is part of a new BSJ series, designed to get you ready for spring training. Each day, we'll take a look at a particular position and examine it from the major league level, evaluating depth at the position and looking ahead to some prospects in the minors.

TODAY: Third base

OVERVIEW:  It’s remarkable how the team’s fortunes at this position have changed in the span of a year.

Last year at this time, the Sox were hoping against hope that a healthy Pablo Sandoval would reclaim third base and begin making good on the five-year deal lavished upon him as a free agent after the 2014 season. Instead, Sandoval flopped and was designated for assignment, leaving the Sox with a hole at the position and lots of sunken money on Sandoval’s deal. The arrival, in July, of Rafael Devers changed everything. Devers immediately got off to a strong start despite A) being just 20 years old and B) having played just nine games above Double A. Under the team’s control for the next six seasons, Devers has solidified third and given the Sox some much-needed power at the position.  Moreover, because he won't be eligible for arbitration until at least 2020, he provides great value for the Sox in terms of cost. His emergence has led to the Red Sox moving top positional player prospect Michael Chavis to first, since he would be blocked at third. Some depth options exist on the 40-man roster, and in the minor league system, there exists another power-hitting prospect, albeit one who’s still several years away.

THE STARTER: Rafael Devers
CONTRACTUAL STATUS: Not yet eligible for arbitration, 2018 salary TBD
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY: After 2023 season
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .338/.482/.819 OPS…Hit 10 homers in a little more than a third (58 games) of a season…Hit .400 (20-for-50) against LHP….Became youngest Red Sox players since Tony Conigliaro to homer in the big leagues...Committed 14 errors in 56 games at third.
ASSESSMENT: It’s nearly impossible to overstate the potential for Devers. He showed incredible raw power and surprisingly good pitch recognition for a player his age and experience. His homer off Aroldis Chapman last August is still being talked about. He needs to be more consistent at third and slow his throws across the diamond at times, but it’s expected those things will come in time.

THE BACKUP: Marco Hernandez
CONTRACTUAL STATUS: Not yet eligible for arbitration, 2018 salary TBD
NOTABLE 2017 STATS: .328 OBP/.349 SLG/.628 OPS
ASSESSMENT: Hernandez was lost to the season in May with a left shoulder injury, requiring surgery. He played nine games at third when the Sox were trying to find a replacement for Sandoval and committed five errors in that time, so he needs improvement and additional experience at the position. Still, the Sox like his versatility and offensive upside. As a lefthanded-hitter, it might be tough for him to get at-bats at third.

THE BACKUP: Deven Marrero
CONTRACTUAL STATUS: Not yet eligible for arbitration, 2018 salary TBD
NOTABLE 2017 STATS:  .259 OBP/.333 SLG/.593 OPS
ASSESSMENT: In many ways, Marrero is almost the complete opposite of Hernandez: righthanded vs lefty, better defenders vs. better hitter. As a righthanded hitter who excelled against lefty pitching (.944 OPS), Marrero could get some opportunities against some tough lefties, though, as noted above, Devers was uncommonly good against them last year. If nothing else, he could be a late-inning defensive replacement in case Devers had some struggles at the position.

THE FUTURE: Bobby Dalbec
NOTABLE 2017 STATS: .347 OBP/.442 SLG/.772 OPS
SCOUTING REPORT: The Red Sox’ fourth-round pick out of Arizona in 2016, Dalbec has both size (6-4, 225) and good power, with 13 homers in 85 games in his first full season of pro ball. Defensively, he has good arm strength, even if his range is somewhat limited. Dalbec could move quickly through the system given his college background, although he too is blocked at his position.  It’s conceivable he could moved to first down the road.