The Boston Red Sox enter the 2016 season with a revamped
major league roster, having landed some significant
talent this past offseason. At the same time they have been able to
maintain a well-stocked farm system that no less an authority than Baseball America has ranked as
fourth-best in baseball this year. While many will be familiar with some of
their better known prospects, their young talent pool is so deep that there are
many who have largely flown under the radar thus far in their young careers but
may start to get more recognition.
Here are just a few of the Red Sox prospects who haven’t
gotten nearly as much press as some others in the system but may see that
change in a major way in 2016.
Sam Travis, First Base: A second-round pick in 2014, the right-handed hitter
formed a collegiate version of the Bash Brothers with Indiana University
teammate Kyle
Schwarber before both were drafted in the early going two years ago. Not a
classic slugger, Travis is better described as a professional hitter. He has
already played at four different levels in his first two years, reaching as
high as Double-A mid-way through last season. In 198 professional games, he has
combined to hit .310 with 16 home runs, 122 RBIs and a .371 OBP.
His rise to prominence may have already begun, as he has
been the star
of Boston’s camp, hitting better than .500 this spring and looking more like a
seasoned veteran than the 22-year-old that he is. Unfortunately, there’s
virtually no chance that he will start the season in the majors, given the depth
in front of him. However, if he continues his impressive and consistent
production, it won’t be long before he forces his way into the conversation for
a promotion to Boston.
Luis Alexander Basabe, Outfield: The Red Sox have a
potential four-tool player in the switch hitter. Signed for
$450,000 out of Venezuela in 2012 as a 16-year-old, he has understandably been
eased along in his first three professional seasons. He spent all of 2015 with
the short season Lowell Spinners and although he didn’t turn 19 until the final
weeks of the season, he hit .243 with seven home runs, 23 RBIs and 15 stolen
bases in 56 games. Most impressively, he also drew 32 walks, which is a great
sign for a player that young.
In addition to his power and speed, Basabe is a strong
defender with a good arm in center field. The major hole in his game is his
ability to make contact, as he struck out 67 times last year and has 184 whiffs
in his 831 professional plate appearances. He still has a ways to go in his
development, so it’s entirely possible he can improve in this regard, but even
if he doesn’t he has enough skills to translate into him being a very valuable
player.
Travis Lakins, Pitcher: Following his career at Ohio State, the left-hander was
selected in the sixth round of the 2015 draft. Although he debuted last year,
fans don’t have much to go on when scouting the stat line, as he only made a
lone appearance for Lowell, striking out three of the seven batters he faced in
his two-inning stint (he walked a batter but did not allow a hit).
Scouting reports
indicate Lakins, who will turn 22 in July, throws a low-90s fastball and has a
changeup and curveball that could become above average offerings. With the
potential for three average to above average pitches, his future appears to be
in the rotation. It’s not clear where he will start this year in the minors,
but wherever it is, his college polish makes it likely that he could see a
promotion or two during the year if he produces the way many expect.
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