Boston Red Sox rumors: Durbin Feltman could play big bullpen role in 2019

With Joe Kelly and possibly Craig Kimbrel gone from the Boston Red Sox bullpen, the Red Sox will need to look for new names to produce in the bullpen. Durbin Feltman could play a big role.

It’s not often that somebody gets talked about playing in the majors the year after they are drafted, but Boston Red Sox draft pick Durbin Feltman is that good.

The Boston Red Sox selected Feltman in the third round with the 100th pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he was known as somebody who would quickly go through the minors and make a quick impact with the major league club.

Based on his performance in the minor league in 2018, it seems like Feltman will be in the majors in no time. With the Low-A Lowell Spinners, Class-A Greenville Drive, and High-A Salem Red Sox, Feltman carried a 1.93 ERA and 0.986 WHIP, striking out 36 batters and walking just five in 23.1 innings. He also recorded four saves and a win while appearing in 22 games.

Feltman was a three-year closer at TCU and was remarkable. With the Horned Frogs, Feltman recorded 32 saves posting a 2.03 ERA and striking out 129 in 87.2 innings. In his junior year, Feltman had just a 0.74 ERA and struck out 43 in 24 innings.

Feltman is still just 21 years old but seems major league ready. His fastball nearly reaches 100 MPH already and also has a filthy slider that fools hitters out of the bullpen.

Just watch this video of the right-hander. His electricity makes for the perfect closer. Anybody else getting a Jonathan Papelbon vibe from this kid?

Feltman could fill a big need

The Boston Red Sox have already lost one key reliever from last years team and could lose another. Joe Kelly is now a Dodger and Craig Kimbrel remains unsigned. Nathan Eovaldi has re-signed, but he will likely remain a starter, at least for now. The Red Sox still haven’t signed anybody to replace Kelly or Kimbrel.

This opens up a huge opportunity for Feltman. As of now, the bullpen seems extremely thin. Matt Barnes is probably the most likely candidate to become closer if the Red Sox do not sign anybody else. Ryan Brasier came out of nowhere last season and had an excellent season, but whether or not he will be able to duplicate his magic from last season remains unknown.

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Other than Barnes and Brasier, the rest of the bullpen is a question mark. Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree, Bobby Poyner, and Tyler Thornburg will all likely be on the Opening Day roster, but none of those guys are guaranteed.

Based on how thin the bullpen is, it is unlikely the Red Sox don’t bring back Kimbrel or sign somebody else. Even if they do, the Red Sox will be looking for an unexpected performer to play a big role out of the bullpen as Poyner or Brasier did in 2018.

Feltman should certainly get a non-roster spring training invitee and Red Sox fans will be able to see how dominant he is. If he performs well in Spring Training, it is definitely possible we could see Feltman in the major leagues in the near future.

Dave Dombrowski is known as a risky GM, and he has dealt with situations like Feltman’s. In 2006, while President of Baseball Operations of the Detroit Tigers, he promoted Andrew Miller to the major leagues after just three games. Don’t count out Feltman to be on the Opening Day roster.

As one page closes, another one opens. If Craig Kimbrel leaves, Durbin Feltman could be the closer for the Red Sox for years to come.