As we continue to roll through our Top Prospects Boards, it’s only fair to take a look at some of the top prospects that are likely to make their MLB Debut at some point in the upcoming season.
Below, you will find a list of three prospects per team. Each prospect will also have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
Breakdown of Time on roster Scores:
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox are not in position to win in 2021 so it’s quite possible that you see several of their prospects throughout the upcoming campaign. You will likely see several pitching prospects given an opportunity this season since this is one of the worst Boston rotations that we have seen in a long time. Given that there are myriad questions surrounding the club’s arms, I decided to highlight some other positions that also need help.
2B — Jeter Downs (3)
Given that the free agent market has been extremely slow this season, its anyone’s guess what the Red Sox will do at second base for the upcoming season. They’ve been linked to free agent Kike Hernandez in recent weeks and they have options like Michael Chavis, Christian Arroyo, and Yairo Munoz if they feel Downs isn’t ready in April. Regardless of who starts on Opening Day, expect Downs to be called up at some point this summer — likely taking over everyday duties as soon as he does.
“It would be easy to call Downs a bat first second baseman with his strong mix of approach, contact, and power,” my colleague Ralph Lifshitz said when evaluating Downs. “But he brings a slick glove and heady base running to the table, positioning himself squarely in above-average role territory.”
OF — Jarren Duran (2)
For the first time in eight years, the team will be without Jackie Bradley Jr. While it’s easy to see that the defense takes a hit here, it’s also worth noting that, of the outfielders currently on the 40-man roster, only Alex Verdugo has seen notable big-league time in center field. Unfortunately, the majority of that came in 2019 as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers — he saw only eight innings in center for Boston in 2020. It might be that Verdugo is the best center field option for the Red Sox but if you throw in the fact that Andrew Benintendi’s name has been discussed in possible trades, it’s all but certain that Duran will be patrolling Fenway’s outfield at some point this season.
C — Connor Wong (1)
Acquired with Downs and Verdugo in the Mookie Betts/David Price deal, Wong is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster besides Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki. You shouldn’t expect the 24-year-old backstop to play a huge role with Boston in 2021. That said, an injury to either of the previously named catchers would certainly open the door for Wong. Furthermore, having seen time at second base and third base while in the Dodgers organization, his position versatility is something that could earn him a promotion prior than anticipated.
Notable:
As mentioned, pitching is going to be an issue for the Red Sox all season. Don’t be surprised to see right-handers Connor Seabold, Thad Ward and Bryan Mata make their debut this season. All three of these guys could pick up starts for Boston. Seabold has a finesse-over-power makeup while Ward and Mata are your power arms. I’d expect to see both Ward and Mata collect some starts while also making appearances out of the bullpen at times.
On the other side of the ball, outfielders Marcus Wilson and Jeisson Rosario are two names to keep in mind. Wilson provides very little in the way of upside but could likely be given a chance as a fifth outfielder. Rosario, just 21 years of age, may be a long shot to make his debut in 2021, however, given that he just might be the best true center fielder they have — it’s something to keep an eye on.