Fourth in a series
This offseason, we'll be taking a look, position-by-position, at the Red Sox minor league system.
Today: The Outfield
Overview: Admittedly, this isn't as solidified as it was six weeks ago, before the Red Sox traded Hunter Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers. In that trade, the Red Sox re-acquired Jackie Bradley Jr. Bradley can still contribute -- either as a defensive replacement or as part of a platoon perhaps -- but he's not the everyday player Renfroe was. Elsewhere, the Sox have Alex Verdugo, who has played all three outfield spots in his first two seasons with the Sox, but seems best-suited for left field. He remains under team control for another three seasons and has established himself as a solid regular with some pop. Elsewhere, Kiké Hernandez was a revelation in center field last year, and while the Sox have not ruled out him returning to the infield, it seems logical to expect that he'll open 2022 as the starting center fielder. The Sox also have some depth options on the current roster, including J.D. Martinez.
TOP PROSPECTS:
1) Jarren Duran: Duran remains a Top 5 prospect in the Red Sox system, despite a 2021 season that saw him struggle mightily at the big league level. Called up in July, Duran appeared in 33 games and stumbled in every aspect of the game. He had difficulty making contact (strikeout rate: 35.7%) and his routes in the outfield were spotty. Because he didn't reach base on a consistent basis (.241 OBP), it was difficult for him to capitalize on what is obviously his greatest skill set: his speed. All of which is not to say that Duran is a bust. But the problems he had getting acclimated served as a reminder that player development is not always linear, even for the most talented prospects. With additional offensive and defensive work needed, it's hard to envision him making the team out of spring training.
Profile: The Sox still have reason to believe that Duran can mature into a Jacoby Ellsbury-type, with the ability to lead off, play center field and wreak havoc on the bases -- all while possessing the ability to drive the ball for extra bases.
ETA: Second half of 2022
2) Gilberto Jimenez: Jimenez is still incredibly raw. Though he's been in the organization for four years, he's still just 21 and has yet to play above Single A. There exists the skill for him to become a five-tool player, though the power has yet to be manifested. Jimenez has the athleticism to be a plus-defender in the outfield and for now, projects as a potential center field with plus arm strength. The Sox seemed to take something of a gamble in late November when they didn't add him to the 40-man roster, thus exposing him to the Rule 5 draft which, thanks to the lockout, has been postponed. It seems highly unlikely that a team would select him, knowing that he'd have to stay in the big leagues for the entire year after not having reached High A. Despite mixed success in stealing bases in the minors, he has exceptional speed.
Profile: Jimenez has an extremely high ceiling, given his tools and it would seem only a matter of time before he can put them together. He profiles as a solid everyday regular at the big league level, with the potential to play like an All-Star.
ETA: Second half of 2024.
3) Miguel Bleis: Bleis was the No. 1 signing of the organization's 2021 international class, and like Jimenez, is remarkably raw. Unlike Jimenez, he's yet to fill out physically, as, at just 17, he stands at 6-3 and just 170 pounds. Like Jimenez, he looks to be athletic enough to be center, and with additional strength, could develop plus power potential.
Profile: Trying to project the career path for a 17-year-old who's yet to play pro ball in the U.S. is exceedingly difficult. Still, there's a lot to like here between his athleticism and strength -- even if there is a lot of development still remaining.
ETA: 2026
4) Jeisson Rosario: Obtained in the deal that sent Mitch Moreland to the Padres at the 2020 deadline, Rosario, 22, played most of last season at Double A. He has tremendous speed and defensive instincts, and because of those attributes, covers a lot of ground in the outfield. At the plate, he's shown good knowledge of the strike zone, and while he gets on base at a high clip, has at times not been aggressive enough as a hitter. He's yet to show much power and tends to spray the ball around.
Profile: It would seem there's a wide variety of potential outcomes here. Rosario's speed and glove could make him an extra outfielder who can contribute off the bench; if his offensive game gets untracked, he might become something more. Either way, the 2022 season will be a big one for him.
ETA: Late 2023
5) Nick Decker: A second-round pick in 2018, Decker was immediately beset with some bad luck when it came to injuries, suffering a broken wrist before he could even take part in his first pro game. Nagging injuries hindered him in 2019, too, but Decker had a strong 2021 at Low A Salem, getting on base regularly while flashing good power. Drafted as a center fielder, he's been moved to corner spots.
Profile: Decker has struggled to hit lefties and might be no more than a platoon outfielder at the major league level. But if he can make more regular contact, he could be fringe-regular who can contribute in either left or right field.
ETA: 2024