Third in a series
This offseason, we'll be taking a look, position-by-position, at the Red Sox minor league system.
Today: First base
Overview: Unlike some other positions at the major league level that have seen some stability in recent seasons (third base, shortstop, catcher), first base has been an area in flux. The Sox have used Bobby Dalbec, Kyle Schwarber, Mitch Moreland, Michael Chavis and Steve Pearce at the position the last few years.
Dalbec looks to have secured the position for himself for the time being, but that could change. It's still possible the Sox could re-sign Schwarber and perhaps deal Dalbec to address other needs on the roster. But for now, let's say that the spot, however tenuously, belongs to Dalbec.
The 2021 season was a wildly inconsistent one for Dalbec. He was extraordinarily streaky at times, especially in the first half where his propensity for strikeouts, combined with his refusal to take walks, resulted in poor offensive output. Equally as alarming was the fact that Dalbec's struggles at the plate seemed at times to follow him into the field, making him subject to unsure play that included him simply dropping otherwise routine flows.
After the All-Star break, however, a few things clicked for Dalbec, who compiled a .955 OPS and belted 15 homers in 48 games while averaging nearly an RBI per game. Moreover, as his offensive game rounded into form, Dalbec played with far more assurance defensively.
If he can continue to make strides in terms of plate discipline, his raw power could make him an All-Star caliber player. But that's far from assured, and the same goes for Dalbec's future with the club.
TOP PROSPECTS:
1) Triston Casas
If you're looking for a reason why someone with Dalbec's power and year-plus of major league service time might be considered an expendable piece by the Red Sox, look no further than Casas for your answer.
In the eyes of most evaluators, Casas is the organization's highest-ranked prospect, with Baseball America and MLBPipeline both ranking him among the top 40 players in the game. Casas has a sweet swing, adjusts well with two strikes and has power that he hasn't fully realized. He's also seen a smooth-fielding first baseman, with good footwork and a lanky body which allows him to provide great range.
It was a busy 2021 for Casas, who earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, earning high praise from Team USA manager Mike Scioscia. When not playing for his country, Casas spent most of last year at Double A Portland before getting a late-season promotion to Triple A Worcester. He then took part in the Arizona Fall League, where scouts ranked him second among all position player prospects.
MLB Profile: Casas has all the makings of an All-Star at first, with the potential to become a Freddie Freeman-type player, with a pretty lefthanded swing capable of producing runs and eventually, 20-30 homers.
ETA: Mid-2022. Under Chaim Bloom, the Sox have placed an emphasis on finishing development at Triple A, so Casas still has a little work to do.
2) Blaze Jordan
Jordan was the Red Sox' third-round pick in 2020 out of high school. He attracted lots of attention in high school with his prodigious power, on display at various home run hitting contests. He became something of a sensation thanks to YouTube videos showing him hitting home runs for ridiculous distance.
Jordan spent much of his first full year in pro ball taking part in the Florida Complex League before graduating for some time at the end of the season to Low A Salem. He still has a long road ahead of him and must show that the plus-plus power he's shown in showcase events can translate against improved pitching as he climbs the minor league ladder.
MLB Profile: The potential is there for Jordan to become a major league slugger, but he has a lot of development to come. His position is also unsettled. He's played third in high school, but the feeling is he'll have to eventually move across the diamond to first,
ETA: Late 2024
3) Niko Kavadas
Selected out of Notre Dame in the 11th round, Kavada signed for more than $100,000 above his slot value even though he was a senior with little leverage. That should tell you something about much the Sox were intrigued by this lefty slugger who has a "country strong'' build -- 6-1, 235 pounds -- with the potential for plus power.
In a brief promotion to Low A Salem, Kavadas was impressive, but even though he's already 23, he has a lot to prove. He showed plate discipline in college, and will need to continue to demonstrate that in pro ball or else risk becoming a "all-or-nothing'' free swinger.
MLB Profile: He's plenty intriguing, by all available data, with high exit velocities and raw power. But he'll need to improve his bat-to-ball skills to be able to get to that power as he progresses.
ETA: 2024