By Chris Henrique
Special to BostonSportsJournal.com
When the Red Sox acquired both Wilyer Abreu and David Hamilton in separate trades, the moves were met with puzzlement from the fanbase after they were acquired for popular players Hunter Renfroe and Christian Vázquez.
Since the start of the season, however, both Abreu and Hamilton have excelled at Triple-A Worcester, despite it being their first exposure to that level of ball. The two prospects earned April Minor League Player of the Month honors: Abreu was named the top Defensive Player, and Hamilton was named the top Base Runner.
“It’s a great accomplishment for both players, five other affiliates are putting names in there for those honors. I’m happy for both players,” said WooSox manager Chad Tracy.
Abreu started the season on the injured list, recovering from a hamstring injury from spring training. Since coming off the injured list, the 23-year-old has shown an excellent eye at the plate, walking 16 times in 87 at-bats while posting a .390 on-base percentage.
Abreu’s been more impressive in the field.
The Venezuelan native has played both corner outfield positions but was recently moved to left field while playing at home at Polar Park. Tracy likes Abreu in left field because there’s more ground to cover than in right field, allowing him to showcase his strong arm.
“Earlier this season, Abreu robbed a home run in left, (made a ) sliding play in the left field corner and has several running catches," said Tracy. "He has a lot of range. He’s done a great job.
“He made some good throws from right field; he just really has a great arm. It’s a strong, accurate arm that stays low to the ground and seems to always perfectly one hop to the base.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton has been tearing up the base paths, leading the International League with 20 stolen bases. This comes on the heels of Hamilton swiping 70 bases in 2022, which set a new organizational record. His speed has come as advertised and it’s impacting the lineup on a nightly basis.
Tracy has called Hamilton a “game changer” and is often given the green light to wreak havoc when he gets on base.
“He is very fun to watch because he can beat you in a lot of ways and it is fun to watch a guy who realizes that. When he gets on base, it’s even more fun,” said Tracy.
Hamilton has often been considered a top candidate to help solve some of the Red Sox middle infield woes in recent weeks. Boston has a laundry list of infielders on the injured list and the University of Texas alum could serve as an option at second base or shortstop in the near future. Hamilton will also begin to get some work in center field for the WooSox, but does not have much experience at the position, only playing two games in the outfield for the Class AA-Portland Seas Dogs last season.
Kaleb Ort adds new pitch to his arsenal
After being optioned to Triple-A Worcester at the end of April, right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort immediately reported to the team and got to work.
Ort struggled with Boston after making his first major league roster out of spring training this season. During his first few days back with Worcester, pitching coach Paul Abbott repositioned Ort on the rubber — he is having him pitch from the first base side — and the two are working on adding a cutter.
“We’re going to explore the benefits ... it will go along with his slider and his fastball. It’s something for lefties to get into their hands. It’ll give him another weapon,” said Abbott.
Drohan, Chacon also impress in early going
One narrative with the Red Sox minor league system has been the inability to develop pitchers to impact the big league roster. Portland Sea Dogs left-hander Shane Drohan may be changing that thinking as he continues to carve up Double-A lineups.
Drohan has been dominant, posting a 5-0 record with a 1.32 ERA with 36 strikeouts, and 0.82 WHIP in six starts. The Red Sox named Drohan the organization’s starting pitcher of the month for April and he is making a strong case for the organization to promote him to Triple-A Worcester.
Drohan was selected by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. The left-hander from Florida State has risen through the system showing off his swing-and-miss stuff.
This offseason, Drohan focused on adding strength and velocity. He gained 14 pounds by lifting and eating more during the day. The lefty came into this season weighing 190 pounds.
The 6-foot-3 southpaw offers a four-pitch mix, featuring a fastball that sits between 92-94 mph and tops out at 96 mph. He also operates with a cutter, which he added this offseason, 83 mph changeup and 75-89 mph curveball.
Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham thought Drohan’s changeup made the biggest jump from 2022. He learned the changeup through long toss and the newly added cutter falls between his fastball and curveball.
Juan Chacon is another name that has gone under the radar in the system due to playing on a loaded Single-A Salem roster that features Miguel Bleis, Roman Anthony, and Cutter Coffey.
Bleis is ranked as the Red Sox No. 2 prospect according to SoxProspects.com. He projects as a potential everyday player featuring five tools, including raw power. Anthony, 19, was drafted during 2C round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Like Bleis, he offers an intriguing power and a ceiling of an everyday outfielder. Coffey was selected in the second round of the 2022 draft. The infield prospect offers a stronger offensive profile and is strong defensively.
Chacon, a 20-year-old outfielder, started off the season at the plate rather sluggish, slashing .130/.382/.130 (3-for-23). Since then, he has enjoyed numerous multi-hit games, slashing .256/.410/.359/.769 along the way.