Boston is taking a shot at a power arm
With just a few weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Boston Red Sox have not yet made the impact that supporters have been waiting for.
It may take some time to settle the market for some of the best unsigned free agents who are still available because it is moving slowly.
Craig Breslow, the chief baseball officer of the Red Sox, has made several depth moves in the meantime, including taking a chance on a power arm that has a low risk but great promise.
According to the team’s transaction log, the Red Sox inked former San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Melvin Adón to a minor-league contract last Wednesday.
In 40 innings over 32 bullpen appearances last season, Adón recorded a 7.43 ERA, a 50-to-37 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a.297 batting average against, and a 2.10 WHIP.
The 29-year-old did little to prove himself in 2023 but he does have a 100+ mph sinker and an above-average power slider that could be the key to his turnaround.
The new pitching development regime appears to be looking for high-end arms they can mold, with the idea that it’s hard to develop elite arm talent but they’ll be able to improve pitchers’ control and pitch usage.
Adón is a great player to take a shot on at this point in the winter. The fact that he does not take up a 40-man roster spot makes this a fantastic move. He’ll either become something special or be released down the line for little cost.
