The Boston Red Sox routinely have a deep prospect pool to work with, and used that in their remaking of the lineup by using prospects to acquire Craig Kimbrel. The Red Sox have the luxury of not needing immediate help, but there are a few budding prospects who can get the call for the first time.
Jorge Marban, RP: A couple of years ago, the idea that Marban would be a potential big league call up would be farfetched at best. Marban was a former Texas Rangers prospect floundering in independent ball, and even made a stop in Australia, before signing with the Red Sox. Now, Marban, 26, is realizing his potential, pitching to a 1.36 ERA in AA-Portland, and a 0.69 ERA in 13 innings in AAA-Pawtucket. If newly acquired Carson Smith is out for extended time, Marban could get the call for the fist time relatively early. Until now, Marban will look to continue tearing up the AAA level.
Marco Hernandez, INF: Hernandez was another surprise in the Red Sox organization, after being acquired as a PTBNL in the Felix Doubront trade to the Chicago Cubs. Hernandez started last year in AA-Portland, and hit .326 before earning a midseason call up to AAA-Pawtucket. Hernandez, 23, is known for his tremendous ability to hit for contact, and could earn a role with the Red Sox thanks to this, and his ability to play multiple positions. Hernandez is a direct competitor of teammate Deven Marrero, who has already made his debut with the Red Sox, and Hernandez could separate himself thanks to his offense.
Williams Jerez, RP: Jerez will begin this year in AA-Portland once again, but is by far the most likely candidate to break out this year. Jerez, 23, is a former position player, who switched to become a reliever, and was added to the 40-man roster this offseason. Jerez will almost certainly get the call to AAA-Pawtucket this year, but if Red Sox continue their trend of bullpen struggles, Jerez can make a huge jump, similar to Mychal Givens of the Baltimore Orioles. Jerez thoroughly dominated High A-Salem, and pitched to a 3.65 ERA in Portland. Look for Jerez to make another big jump.
Sam Travis, 1B: Travis is a well-regarded hitter in the Red Sox system. This was made clear by the Red Sox drafting him in the second round of the 2014 MLB draft. Travis has moved through the system very quickly, and earned an invite to spring training this year. Travis, 22, hit .536 (!!) in 17 games this spring and hit two home runs, and 13 RBI. Travis will begin the year in AAA-Pawtucket, but if Hanley Ramirez or Travis Shaw gets hurt or struggles, they could call on their top 1B prospect in Travis.
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