The Boston Red Sox Have a Promising New Core to Build Around
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The Prospects
The young players mentioned above are just the beginning of a substantial influx of talent entering the Red Sox organization.
While Casas, Duran, Abreu, Wong, and Houck are all exceptional players, some of the most exciting prospects are still in Double-A. Shortstop Marcelo Mayer and outfielder Roman Anthony are both ranked among the top 30 prospects in baseball, with catcher Kyle Teel not far behind.
The organization has touted these three youngsters, along with their teammate, infielder Nick Yorke, as the future cornerstones of the franchise. All four are expected to make their MLB debuts by 2025, if not sooner. This wave of talent is anticipated to complement the current young core, positioning the Red Sox for their next window of championship contention.
This post by Matthew Marasco appeared first on Just Baseball.
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New Core in Boston?
The Boston Red Sox may not be a perfect team and are likely to miss the playoffs again this year. However, unlike in previous seasons, there's a renewed sense of hope within the organization. Young players, both on the active roster and in the upper minors, are stepping up and exceeding expectations.
This post by Matthew Marasco appeared first on Just Baseball.
Triston Casas
The "new wave" of talent for the Red Sox began last year with the emergence of Triston Casas. Casas finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, demonstrating that his unique combination of power and plate discipline could be a cornerstone of the Red Sox offense for years to come.
Casas continued his strong performance in 2024, hitting six home runs in his first 22 games before a rib injury sidelined him in late April. Despite this setback, the 24-year-old first baseman still has his best years ahead of him.
Jarren Duran
Like Casas, Jarren Duran had a breakout season last year, leading the league in doubles for a significant portion of the year. If not for an injury, he might have finished as the top doubles hitter in baseball. Duran, once a highly regarded prospect, struggled in his initial seasons in the majors, leading many fans and pundits to write him off.
However, Duran responded remarkably well to the pressure and criticism. In just 102 games last season, he hit .295 with 44 extra-base hits, including 34 doubles, and stole 24 bases while only being caught twice. Duran has continued his impressive performance in 2024, scoring 32 runs, driving in 23, and leading all of baseball with eight triples.
Even more significantly, Duran's defense has improved dramatically. He has proven that he can handle the challenging Fenway outfield, ranking seventh among outfielders in Outs Above Average (OAA) and in the top 5% in defensive run value, according to Baseball Savant. His range also ranks in the top 5%, and he has a slightly above-average arm.
What once seemed improbable just two seasons ago is now a reality: Jarren Duran has established himself as a vital part of the Red Sox core for the long term.
Wilyer Abreu
Wilyer Abreu, one of Duran’s outfield mates, has also had a breakout season this year, exceeding expectations and winning over the hearts of Red Sox Nation. He ranks in the top 20% in baseball for batting run value, fielding run value, and baserunning run value according to Baseball Savant. His bat speed, barrel percentage, and hard-hit percentage are also in the top 20%, with his walk rate ranking in the top 30% of hitters.
The 24-year-old has already accumulated nearly 2.0 FanGraphs WAR this season, proving that his bat can compete at the big league level. The right fielder is hitting .283 with 22 RBIs and 25 runs scored.
His .870 OPS has propelled him into the Rookie of the Year conversation, currently holding the fourth-best odds to win the award. Initially viewed as a stop-gap player before the season, Abreu has demonstrated that he can be an everyday player and deserves to be part of this new young core.
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Connor Wong
Connor Wong has developed into an everyday catcher who excels both defensively and offensively. The last remaining player the Red Sox received in the Mookie Betts trade, Wong is hitting an impressive .324 with an .835 OPS. Additionally, he is an elite baserunner with excellent sprint speed for a catcher and a baserunning run value in the top 8% in baseball.
Defensively, Wong’s pop time ranks him among the top 25% of catchers, allowing him to surpass his expected caught-stealing percentage.
Tanner Houck
On the mound, Tanner Houck has demonstrated that he deserves a long-term spot in Boston. He leads the American League with a 2.13 FIP and ranks first in all of baseball with just 0.13 HR/9. His impressive 1.90 ERA has not only made him a strong contender for an All-Star selection but also for starting the All-Star Game.
Houck's overall pitching run value, and specifically his breaking ball run value, both rank in the top 2% in baseball. His slider has been one of the most dominant pitches in the sport this season.
Kutter Crawford
Kutter Crawford, under contract through 2028, and Rule 5 pick Justin Slaten, under contract through 2029, are two more standout pitchers for Boston this year. Crawford, 28, ranks among the top 20 qualified pitchers in both ERA and FIP, while Slaten, 26, has been one of the most durable and productive relievers in the American League.
The Prospects
The young players mentioned above are just the beginning of a substantial influx of talent entering the Red Sox organization.
While Casas, Duran, Abreu, Wong, and Houck are all exceptional players, some of the most exciting prospects are still in Double-A. Shortstop Marcelo Mayer and outfielder Roman Anthony are both ranked among the top 30 prospects in baseball, with catcher Kyle Teel not far behind.
The organization has touted these three youngsters, along with their teammate, infielder Nick Yorke, as the future cornerstones of the franchise. All four are expected to make their MLB debuts by 2025, if not sooner. This wave of talent is anticipated to complement the current young core, positioning the Red Sox for their next window of championship contention.
This post by Matthew Marasco appeared first on Just Baseball.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
New Core in Boston?
The Boston Red Sox may not be a perfect team and are likely to miss the playoffs again this year. However, unlike in previous seasons, there's a renewed sense of hope within the organization. Young players, both on the active roster and in the upper minors, are stepping up and exceeding expectations.
This post by Matthew Marasco appeared first on Just Baseball.
