Checking In On Red Sox Recent Draft Picks

Oct 10, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington watches the team during a workout in preparation for the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

With a bit of an awkward process of defending their 2013 World Series title, the Red Sox can look to the 2014 MLB Draft and what help may be on the way after this year.

So far this year, Boston has made some intriguing picks that will undoubtedly shape a seemingly bright future that Red Sox Nation will get to experience over the following decade.

Let’s take a look at some of the club’s most recent picks that came out of the draft with higher expectations than others:

Deven Marrero, Shortstop, Double-A Portland

With Xander Bogaerts cementing himself as at least half of the future of the left-side of the Red Sox infield, Marrero definitely has a chance to be the other piece alongside him. So far he has flashed enough defense to warrant a shot in the infield in a year so, but can definitely improve his footwork and fundamentals in that area. What’s most important is his ability to get on base, something he has been able to do since starting his professional career. His batting average isn’t going to impress, but he has managed to remain an on base machine, and that is something that will get him a long way in this organization.

Mookie Betts, Second base/Center field, Triple-A Pawtucket

I was going to just go with guys drafted in 2012 or 2013, but it’s hard to write any article about Sox prospects and not mention Betts. One of the most complete players in the minors with regards to offense, Betts may find himself on the big-league roster sooner rather than later. They have been playing him in the outfield as a result of the team having a decent second baseman, as well as a horrendous outfield trio. He recently was promoted to Triple-A and is continuing to hit, so something tells me we may be hearing “Moooookie” chants on Yawkey way in the coming weeks.

Trey Ball, Starting Pitcher, Single-A Greenville

If the Felix Doubront experience doesn’t work out in the coming years, Ball may find himself as the next lefty pitching for the Red Sox with tremendous stuff. So far in his young career, Ball has struggled to keep the ball on the ground, which has led to extra-base hits and rough starts. His ERA is above six, but that is no indicator of how good this 19-year old can be. He is one of the four or five Boston starters to watch for the rest of this season and 2015. I wouldn’t be surprised if other prospects that are pitchers are moved to make room for this kid.