Countdown to Sox Spring: Ranking the 40-man roster, Part I

With spring training almost upon us, here’s a look at the Red Sox’ 40-man roster, ranked according to value, from bottom to top.

Today: Spots 40-21

40. LHP Williams Jerez

Drafted as an outfielder, Jerez converted to the pitcher’s mound four years ago. He had decent numbers at Portland and, briefly, Pawtucket last year (3.27 ERA), but is a decided longshot to make the team as a lefty out of the bullpen.

39. RHP Chandler Shepherd

Shepherd worked as a starter in Mexico in winter ball, but is viewed as a reliever. Compiled a 4.07 ERA at Pawtucket last year. For now, he profiles as middle-reliever.

38. RHP Ben Taylor

You might win a bar bet by knowing that Taylor made the Opening Day roster last April and appeared in 14 games with the Red Sox. The rest of the year was limited by injuries.

37. RHP Ty Buttrey

Buttrey has a big frame and a powerful arm and he showed some promise in 2017, his first full season in the bullpen after years as a starter. But he needs to improve his command if he’s going to get a crack at the big leagues.



36. LHP Jalen Beeks

Beeks is probably the best bet for any homegrown Red Sox pitcher to get an opportunity in the Boston rotation, but he’s got other depth options (Hector Velazquez, for one) in front of him. He could also see some time in relief as the Sox seek out lefty candidates.

35. LHP Roenis Elias

Elias will likely compete for the lefty relief spot in the bullpen but remains a depth starter candidate, too. Either way, he needs to do something to grab the attention of the organization.

34. LHP Brian Johnson

Like Elias, Johnson is caught between two roles – depth starter and possible lefty relief specialist. He’s been hampered by injuries and mental health issues in recent years. At 27, he’s at something of a crossroads.

33. INF Tzu-Wei Lin

Lin showed himself to be pretty poised when he made the jump from Double-A last season. He’s athletic and versatile, but has yet to demonstrate much offensively, limiting him as a utility candidate for now.



32. 1B Sam Travis

A few years ago, Travis was viewed as the likely Red Sox’ first baseman of the future. But his power game hasn’t developed as hoped and the Sox’ decision to re-sign Mitch Moreland for two years speaks volumes.

31. RHP Hector Velazquez

Velazquez actually did a pretty nice job when called upon a few times last year, though he seemed to pitch better in long relief than as a starter. For now, he remains the primary depth starter option in the organization.

30. RHP Heath Hembree

Hembree took a step back last year and tellingly, wasn’t part of the postseason roster. Could still earn his way back into the big league bullpen, but it’s fairly crowded there.

29. INF Deven Marrero

Accomplished defender at several positions, but to date, has only hit lefties in the big leagues. He will get a chance to compete for second base job in spring and/or utility role.



28. OF Bryce Brentz

Led all Red Sox minor leaguers in homers last year, but oddly, couldn’t earn a September call-up when roster expanded. Placed back on 40-man roster last fall and is the favorite to become fourth outfielder.

27. INF Brock Holt

Stock has dropped considerably after concussion issues and drop-off in offensive production.  Remains highly versatile, but must hit more this spring to retain his job.

26. C Sandy Leon

Leon’s offensive game came back to earth in 2017 and he’ll likely be relegated to a more conventional backup role. Still has value, but could be pushed by Blake Swihart

25. INF Marco Hernandez

After missing most of last year with a shoulder injury, Hernandez could win the second base job while Dustin Pedroia’s recovers. He’s got high offensive upside and could stick as a utility man when Pedroia returns.



24. RHP Austin Maddox

Came out of nowhere as a spring training invitee last year to pitch well over the final two months, unscored upon in his dozen appearances. A late bloomer, he’ll compete for one of the bullpen spots.

23. LHP Robby Scott

Would it surprise you to learn that he limited lefty hitters to a .121 (8-for-66) batting average last year? It was expected that the Sox would seek a more established lefty specialist on the free agent market, but that hasn’t happened.

22. RHP Matt Barnes

He seemed to wear down over the second half and has likely lost the designation of primary set-up man with the return of Carson Smith. But could still be an important back-end piece – especially if he figures out his struggles on the road.

21. RHP Joe Kelly

Kelly appeared to finally grow comfortable in the bullpen last season. He’s headed for free agency next fall and a big year could set up him for nice payday.

TOMORROW: Spots 20-1