Red Sox Prospect Hopefuls in Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox have spent their off season signing big money players such as Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, or trading for pitchers such as Wade Miley and Rick Porcello. However, there are still a lot of prospects that could be relied on heavily.

Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vazquez have been established as starters going into their second year. In fact, most positions are pretty much filled; the outfield is stacked and leaves even Brock Holt and Allen Craig without positions.

Meanwhile, the entire infield roster should be set (barring injury) and the starting rotation seems established.

However, as we all know, depth has a way of falling onto itself. This is why we could see some top prospects make their debut this season.

More from MLB Prospects

• Is Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez the next Pete Alonso?
• Los Angeles Dodgers prospect talk: Catching up with Hunter Feduccia
• MLBPA secures major victory for Minor League Baseball players
• Phillies: Breaking down the prospects fighting for an Opening Day spot
• What the XFL can learn from minor league baseball

Last year we saw the Major League debuts of Vazquez, Mookie Betts, Bryce Brentz, Garin Cecchini, Anthony Ranaudo, and more. Jackie Bradley Jr and Will Middlebrooks were young players who didn’t work out, and while Middlebrooks is gone, it looks like Bradley will return to Pawtucket while Boston deals with their crowded outfield.

Mookie Betts: Betts could see playing time as a starter to kick off the season. It all depends on if Shane Victorino is able to play right field. If not, Betts could still see a platoon with Rusney Castillo who the Red Sox signed to a seven year deal. In 189 at bats in the majors last season, Betts hit .291 with a .368 OBP and five home runs.

Blake Swihart: The 22-year old out of the 2011 draft won’t make the roster, and it’s no guarantee he’ll see big league time. The Red Sox top prospect could see his first full season at Pawtucket, but he still could impact the big league roster. If Vazquez isn’t hitting or Ryan Hanigan doesn’t work out, they could take a shot at him. Arguably the top catching prospect in baseball, he could always be a part of a team to improve the big team as well.

Henry Owens: As a non roster invitee, Red Sox fans will get to see him in action this spring. He’s also been involved in trade rumors but as the top pitching prospect in the system, actually trading him away seems unlikely. The 22 year old will get his first full season in Pawtucket this year after dominating in Portland and could see the big club at some point as well.

Eduardo Rodriguez: Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Andrew Miller this past season, Rodriguez didn’t skip a beat when he played in Portland for two months. The 21 year old lefty pitched to a 0.96 ERA in his six games with the Sea Dogs. If Boston lacks any lefty depth this season, he could be called up.

Brian Johnson: With a 1.75 ERA in Portland last year, Johnson is the third best lefty pitching prospect in the system that is full of leftys. He started the season in Salem and pitched well, but it was nothing compared to what he could do in Double A. The former Gator was Boston’s first round pick in 2012.

Matt Barnes: Barnes did see some time in Boston last season, and could establish a role this year. With a 3.95 ERA in Pawtucket last season, the Connecticut native could find himself in a bullpen role after pitching to a 4.00 in five games with the Red Sox. Now at 24 years old, Barnes needs to have a solid showing to remain a top ten prospect.

Garin Cecchini: Cecchini hit .258 in his limited time with Boston last season but made a positive impression. He showed he could play left field along with his native third base, but it still seems like he will be blocked in 2015. If there is an infield injury he will likely be called up.

Deven Marrero: The Red Sox first round pick in 2012, he could be a backup plan of sorts for Xander Bogaerts. A tremendous fielder, he has struggled with the bat in Pawtucket, but the 24 year old remains a top shortstop prospect. He will likely see some time at some point due to injuries, and is a viable shortstop for trade as well.

Noe Ramirez: More of an unknown at age 25, Ramirez received an invite to spring training and has only pitched well in his minor league career. He had a 2.14 in Portland last season in 42 games and will start this year in Pawtucket. Could he see some time in a situation when depth is needed?