The Boston Red Sox need depth behind the plate, and they may get that with Deivy Grullon.
To say this season has been disappointing for Boston Red Sox fans is a vast understatement. At 12-26, they sit 14 games out of first. The sense around Sox nation moving into this year was the probable reality of a full rebuild. Dealing superstar outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the season began left no stone unturned regarding a rebuild’s validity.
The covid-shortened season has been a struggle for the club and fans alike, there have been positives concerning the team’s future. To bolster the farm system and move it up the rankings chart, the Red Sox claimed a former top 15 prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, catcher Deivy Grullon.
The mid-season prospects update does not give a sense of calm to the catching position. Connor Wong, the 17th ranked prospect in the system, was the only top 30 catching prospect in the Red Sox organization before the Grullón claim just yesterday.
Grullón signed in 2012 for $575,000 as a 16-year-old. His experience at rookie-level ball in his first year helped him develop a sense of competition and set expectations. In 41 games in his first year, Grullón held his own. He slashed .273/.333/.364, one home run, 14 RBI, and a 110 wRC+.
The following year after turning 18, Grullón moved from Low-A Short Season Williamsport to Class-A Advanced Clearwater. He struggled to a collective .227/.267/.297 line in 79 games. Following a few seasons moving between Class-A Lakewood and Clearwater, Grullón began to show signs of improvement. The power began to surface and, by 2017, improved vastly to above-average.
Over the past couple of years, Grullón spent time between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 90 games at Double-A, he hit .273 with 21 home runs and a 123 wRC+, all career-highs. Last season, Grullón further improved his production, slashing .283/.354/.496, 21 home runs in 108 games.
Grullón has minimal major league experience. He spent four games with the big league club last season and did not have enough of a look to show his ability. At the mid-point of this season, Grullón ranked 20th in the Phillies system. Regarding his future ability, the now 24-year-old has potential for 20-plus home run power. His raw power is very intriguing and something that should play well in Fenway.
His arm power is regarded as plus-plus. However, overall athleticism and agility could be a negative factor in his development. However, at only 24 years old, at a position seen as a gold-standard for teams, the fact Grullón made it through waivers is surprising.
As the Boston Red Sox are a team in need of catching depth, it is a slam dunk waiver claim and will hopefully be a boon for Boston’s future. Grullón was optioned to the club’s alternate training site Thursday.