Tag: awards

Red Sox’ Rafael Devers recognized in AL MVP voting

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers finished tied for 17th in 2023 American League MVP voting, as was revealed by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on MLB Network earlier Thursday evening.

Devers received one ninth-place vote from Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com for a total of two points. The 27-year-old slugger was one of 23 players to net at least one vote and finished in a four-way tie for 17th place with the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, the Rays’ Isaac Paredes, and the Twins’ Sonny Gray.

Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who is now a free agent, won the award unanimously for the second time in three years. Rangers teammates Corey Seager and Marcus Semien finished second and third, respectively. In the National League, former Red Sox star Mookie Betts and Dodgers teammate Freddie Freeman were the runners-up behind the Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr., who also won unanimously as a result of receiving all 30 first-place votes.

Devers, meanwhile, netted at least one MVP vote for the third straight season and for the fourth time in the last five years dating back to 2019. Much like reliever Chris Martin the AL Cy Young race, Devers was the lone Red Sox player to receive a vote on Thursday. That puts an end to an eight-year run (2015-2022) in which Boston had two or more representatives on the ballot.

By his own admission, the 2023 campaign can be described as “just average” for Devers. Still, the left-handed hitter paced the Red Sox lineup by batting .271/.351/.500 with 34 doubles, a team-high 33 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 90 runs scored, five stolen bases, 62 walks, and 126 strikeouts over 153 games (656 plate appearances) en route to winning his second career Silver Slugger Award.

Among qualified hitters in the American League this past season, Devers ranked 16th in hits (157), 10th in extra-base hits (67), tied for eighth in total bases (290), 15th in doubles, tied for fourth in homers and runs driven in, tied for 13th in runs scored, 17th in batting average, 13th in on-base percentage, seventh in slugging percentage and OPS (.851), and 10th in isolated power (.229), per MLB.com’s leaderboards.

According to Baseball Savant, Devers finished in the 98th percentile among all big-leaguers in hard-hit rate (55.1 percent) this year. He also ranked in the 96th percentile in expected slugging percentage (.536), the 95th percentile in average exit velocity (93.1 mph), the 94th percentile in expected weighted on-base average (.380), the 87th percentile in expected batting average (.280), and the 84th percentile in barrel rate (12.7 percent).

While Devers was among the best when it came to making loud contact in 2023, his defense at the hot corner lagged far behind. In the process of logging 1,293 innings at third base, the 6-foot, 235-pounder committed a team-leading 19 errors in 370 chances. He accrued -9 defensive runs saved and was worth -9 outs above average, but it does not appear as though the Red Sox will have him move off the position anytime soon.

Now a veteran of seven major-league seasons, Devers has come a long way since signing with the Red Sox for $1.5 million as an international free agent coming out of the Dominican Republic a little more than a decade ago. The two-time All-Star, of course, inked a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension in January that will go into effect in 2024.

(Picture of Rafael Devers: Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Red Sox reliever Chris Martin finishes 12th in AL Cy Young voting

In somewhat surprising fashion, Red Sox reliever Chris Martin finished 12th in 2023 American League Cy Young Award voting. The results were revealed by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on MLB Network earlier Wednesday evening.

Martin received one fifth-place vote from Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune for a total of one point. The veteran right-hander placed last in a field of 12, finishing behind the likes of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who won the award unanimously, runner-up Sonny Gray of the Twins, and Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays.

It goes without saying that Martin enjoyed a dominant first season in Boston after signing a two-year, $17.5 million deal with the club he began his professional career with last December. The 37-year-old hurler initially got off to a so-so start and even missed some time in April due to right shoulder inflammation, but he did not miss a beat upon returning to action in early May.

In 55 total relief appearances, which ranked second on the Red Sox behind Josh Winckowski’s 59, Martin posted a miniscule 1.05 ERA and 2.44 FIP with 46 strikeouts to just eight walks over 51 1/3 innings of work in which he held opposing hitters to a .237 batting average against.

With closer Kenley Jansen locked in for the ninth most nights, Martin emerged as one of manager Alex Cora’s most-trusted setup men. All 55 of his outings came in the seventh inning or later as he recorded three saves in four opportunities while leading the club in holds with 23.

Before being shut down with a viral infection in late September, Martin had gone 20 straight appearances (19 innings) without allowing an earned run dating back to July 30. Altogether, the native Texan put up zeroes in all but five of his outings for the Red Sox this year.

Among the 66 relievers in the American League who reached the 50-inning threshold this season, Martin ranked second in walks per nine innings (1.40), second in walk rate (4.0 percent), eighth in WHIP (1.03), first in left on base percentage (93.6 percent), second in barrel rate (2.1 percent), first in ERA, third in FIP, and fifth in xFIP (2.90), per FanGraphs.

Martin — who is up for All-MLB consideration — was the only Red Sox pitcher to receive a Cy Young vote on Wednesday, becoming the first to accomplish that feat since Nathan Eovaldi finished fourth in the race two years ago. He also joins Craig Kimbrel (2017) and Koji Uehara (2013) as notable Boston relievers to net votes for the award within the last decade.

(Picture of Chris Martin: Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

Red Sox’ Triston Casas finishes third in AL Rookie of the Year voting; Masataka Yoshida also receives votes

Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Masataka Yoshida respectively finished third and sixth in 2023 American League Rookie of the Year voting. The results were revealed by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on MLB Network earlier Monday evening.

Casas placed third behind Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson — who won the award unanimously after securing all 30 first-place votes — and Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee by receiving six second-place votes and seven third-place votes for a total of 25 points. Yoshida, meanwhile, placed sixth behind Rangers third baseman Josh Jung and Astros catcher Yainer Diaz by netting three third-place votes for three points. Twins second baseman Edouard Julien (two points) and Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (one point) rounded out the ballot.

Casas, who last week became the first Red Sox player since Andrew Benintendi in 2017 to be recognized as a Rookie of the Year finalist, put together a strong first full season in the major-leagues after not initially getting off to the best of starts.

Having first debuted at the big-league level last September, Casas unsurprisingly made Boston’s Opening Day roster out of spring training this past March. But the former first-round pick-turned-top prospect struggled at the plate out of the gate and, by the end of April, found himself batting just .133/.283/.293 with three home runs and eight RBIs through his first 25 games of the year.

Despite those early struggles, the Red Sox stuck with Casas, who then rewarded the club for doing so by turning a corner offensively. As the calendar flipped from April to May, the 23-year-old slugger steadily raised his OPS and, after a solid showing in June, broke out to the tune of a ridiculous .349/.442/.758 slash line with seven home runs and 13 RBIs in 21 July contests to take home American League Rookie of the Month honors.

Even as the Red Sox began to fall out of contention in the AL East over the summer, Casas remained a force to be reckoned with in the batter’s box. From August 1 through September 13, the left-handed hitter batted .284/.389/.508 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in 39 games. He then missed the final two-plus weeks of the season after being shut down with right shoulder inflammation.

Still, despite the disappointing finish, Casas managed to forge one of the more impressive Red Sox rookie seasons in recent memory by slashing a stout .263/.367/.490 with 21 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, 66 runs scored, 70 walks, and 126 strikeouts over 132 total games (502 plate appearances). Altogether, he led Boston in walks, on-base percentage, and OPS (.856) while finishing second in homers and fourth in runs driven in.

Among qualified rookies in the junior circuit this season, Casas ranked second in homers, fourth in RBIs, fourth in runs scored, second in walks, seventh in batting average, third in on-base percentage, fourth in slugging percentage, second in OPS, fifth in isolated power (.226) and third in walk rate (13.9 percent), per MLB.com’s leaderboards.

On the other side of the ball, all but two of Casas’ 117 starts this year came at first base. The burly 6-foot-5, 244-pounder committed only five errors in 958 chances while logging 1,037 innings at first. In spite of the high fielding percentage, though, Casas graded poorly in other areas such as defensive runs saved (-4) and outs above average (-10). That likely did not help his case when it came to award voting.

Regardless of the defensive metrics, the 2023 campaign still served as an important stepping stone for Casas in which he established himself as the Red Sox’ first baseman of the future. To that end, Casas — who turns 24 in January — is a prime candidate for a pre-arbitration contract extension depending on how things shake out for Boston this winter.

Yoshida, on the other hand, spent the first seven years of his professional career in Japan before signing a five-year, $90 million contract with the Red Sox in December. As a major-league rookie this season, the left-handed hitting 30-year-old batted .289/.338/.445 with 33 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 72 RBIs, 71 runs scored, eight stolen bases, 34 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 140 games spanning 580 trips to the plate.

(Picture of Triston Casas: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Red Sox’ Rafael Devers wins second career Silver Slugger Award

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers has been named a 2023 American League Silver Slugger Award winner, Louisville Slugger and Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Devers and rookie first baseman Triston Casas were recognized as finalists for the award at their respective positions last week. The former beat out the likes of Houston’s Alex Bregman, Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes, and Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez for his second career Silver Slugger while the latter came up short against AL batting champ Yandy Diaz of the Rays.

Devers, who first won the award two years ago, put together another strong season at the plate in 2023. In 153 games, the 27-year-old slugger batted .271/.351/.500 with 34 doubles, a team-high 33 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 90 runs scored, five stolen bases, 62 walks, and 126 strikeouts over 580 plate appearances.

Despite describing his personal performance as “average” this year, Devers still led qualified American League third basemen in slugging percentage, OPS (.851), extra-base hits (67), home runs, runs driven in, and hard-hit rate (41.4 percent). The left-handed hitter also ranked third in isolated power (.229), second in wOBA (.359), and third in wRC+ (124), per FanGraphs.

Devers, who was nominated for All-MLB consideration on Wednesday, becomes just the second third baseman in franchise history to take home multiple Silver Slugger Awards, joining six-time winner Wade Boggs. His Silver Slugger is also the 50th given to a Red Sox player since the award was first introduced in 1980.

This marks the second straight year in which Boston has had just one Silver Slugger recipient after Xander Bogaerts won it at shortstop last season. In the National League, former Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts took home his sixth career Silver Slugger Award and his third as a member of the Dodgers.

(Picture of Rafael Devers: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Trio of Red Sox nominated for 2023 All-MLB Team

Three members of this year’s Red Sox have been nominated for 2023 All-MLB Team consideration, Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday night.

Third baseman Rafael Devers, designated hitter Justin Turner, and reliever Chris Martin were all recognized for the seasons they had and will have the chance to to earn either first- or second-team All-MLB honors next month.

Devers was one of 10 third basemen selected to the ballot on Wednesday. Already in the running for his second career Silver Slugger Award, the left-handed hitting 27-year-old was a second-team selection in 2021.

Turner, the recipient of the Red Sox’ 2023 MLBPAA Heart and Hustle Award, was one of eight designated hitters to make the cut. The 38-year-old slugger has yet to make an All-MLB team in his career and is currently a free agent after declining the player option in his contract last week.

Martin, meanwhile, was one of 24 relief pitchers named to the ballot after putting together the best season (1.05 ERA in 55 appearances) of his eight-year big-league career. Like Turner, the 37-year-old righty has never garnered All-MLB consideration before.

First introduced in 2019, All-MLB honors recognize the best player or players at each position across the majors for what they did over the course of the entire regular season. Besides Devers, shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2019 first-team) and outfielder Mookie Betts (2019 second-team) are the only other Red Sox players who have previously made an All-MLB team.

Unsurprisingly, Betts was yet again approved for All-MLB recognition on Wednesday after another standout season with the Dodgers. While Bogaerts came up short following his first season with the Padres, Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), J.D. Martinez (Dodgers), Nathan Eovaldi (Rangers), and Eduardo Rodriguez (Tigers) were among the former Red Sox players who made this year’s ballot.

Fans have until 8 p.m. eastern time on Sunday, November 19 to vote for who they believe should make the fifth annual All-MLB team. Fan voting will account for half of the selection process while the other 50 percent will be made up by a baseball media panel.

Of the 122 players who were nominated on Wednesday, only 32 will be named to the first- or second-team when winners are unveiled during MLB Network’s All-MLB Team Show on December 16.

(Picture of Justin Turner and Rafael Devers: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox’ Triston Casas named AL Rookie of the Year finalist

Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas has been named a finalist for the 2023 American League Rookie of of the Year Award, the BBWAA and Major League Baseball announced on Monday.

Already in the running for his first Silver Slugger Award, Casas was recognized alongside the likes of Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee and Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson. The 23-year-old will look to become the first Red Sox player to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors since Dustin Pedroia in 2007 when winners in each league are unveiled next Monday, November 13, on MLB Network.

Casas entered the 2023 season as one of the top prospects in Boston’s farm system after making his major-league debut last September. The former first-round draft selection expectedly made the Sox’ Opening Day roster out of spring training in March but struggled out of the gate. By the end of April, he found himself batting just .133/.283/.293 with three home runs and eight RBIs through his first 25 games of the year.

As the calendar flipped to May, though, Casas began to turn a corner offensively. His OPS continuously rose through the early summer months and he then broke out to the tune of a ridiculous .349/.442/.758 line with seven home runs and 13 RBIs in 21 July contests to take home Rookie of the Month honors in the junior circuit.

Casas remained hot at the plate even as Boston fell out of contention in the American League East, but his first full season in the major-leagues drew to a premature close when he was shut down with right shoulder inflammation in mid-September. Despite the disappointing finish, the left-handed hitter still put together one of the more impressive Red Sox rookie campaigns in recent memory by slashing a stout .263/.367/.470 with 21 doubles, two triples, 24 homers, 65 RBIs, 66 runs scored, a team-high 70 walks, and 126 strikeouts in 132 games (502 plate appearances).

Among 27 qualified rookies in the American League this season, Casas ranked ninth in batting average, fourth in on-base percentage, sixth in slugging percentage, third in OPS (.856), third in walk rate (13.9 percent), eighth in isolated power (.226), and fifth in wRC+ (129), per FanGraphs. He also ranked third in wOBA (.367), third in barrel rate (13.1 percent), and seventh in hard-hit rate (46.6 percent), according to Statcast.

Defensively, all but two of Casas’ 117 starts came at first base this year. The burly 6-foot-5, 244-pounder logged 1,037 innings at the position, committing five errors in 958 chances. In spite of the high fielding percentage, though, Casas graded poorly in other areas, including defensive runs saved (-4) and outs above average (-10). To that end, his value (i.e. WAR) took somewhat a hit.

When comparing Casas’ value this season to that of Bibee’s and Henderson’s, the Red Sox slugger accrued the least amount of fWAR (1.7) between the trio of rookies. Bibee (3.0) went 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 141 strikeouts to 45 walks in 25 starts (142 innings) for Cleveland. Henderson (4.6), meanwhile, hit .255/.325/.489 with 29 doubles, nine triples, 28 home runs, 82 RBIs, 100 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, 56 walks, and 159 strikeouts in 150 games (622 plate appearances) for Baltimore while providing plus defense at both third base and shortstop.

Taking all that into consideration, Henderson is viewed as the favorite to win the award next week. If Casas were to pull off an upset, though, the Red Sox would receive an additional pick following the first round of next year’s amateur draft as a result of MLB’s new Prospect Promotion Initiative. Casas, who meets those qualifications because he came into the season with fewer than 60 days of big-league service time and was a consensus preseason top 100 prospect, would also be credited with a full year of service time if he finishes first or second in voting. But that is a moot point anyway since Casas already spent the entirety of the 2023 season on Boston’s major-league roster.

Regardless of the results, Casas is the first Rookie of the Year finalist the Red Sox have had since Andrew Benintendi in 2017. After establishing himself as Boston’s first baseman of the future, Casas — who turns 24 in January — could be in line for a contract extension depending on how things play out this winter.

(Picture of Triston Casas: Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox infielders Triston Casas, Rafael Devers named Silver Slugger Award finalists

Red Sox infielders Triston Casas and Rafael Devers have been named finalists for 2023 American League Silver Slugger Awards, Louisville Slugger and Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Casas, a first-time finalist at first base, was recognized alongside the likes of Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz, Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe (last year’s winner), and Detroit’s Spencer Torkelson.

Devers, who won the award in 2021, is a finalist at third base for the third consecutive year along with Houston’s Alex Bregman, Tampa Bay’s Isaac Paredes, and last year’s winner in Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez.

Casas, who first debuted for Boston last September, overcame a rough start to his first full season in the major-leagues and wound up putting together an impressive rookie campaign. In 132 games, the left-handed hitting 23-year-old batted .263/.367/.490 with 21 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, 66 runs scored, 70 walks, and 126 strikeouts over 502 plate appearances. It should be noted that he missed the final two-plus weeks of the season due to bursitis in his right shoulder.

Between Casas the three other first basemen he is competing with, the former ranked second in home runs, second in walks, second in batting average, second in on-base percentage, second in slugging percentage, second in OPS (.856), first in walk rate (13.9 percent), first in isolated power (.226), second in line-drive rate (21 percent), second in barrel rate (13.1 percent), and second in wRC+ (129), per FanGraphs.

Casas, who turns 24 in January, is looking to become the first Red Sox first baseman to take home a Silver Slugger Award since Adrian Gonzalez did so in 2011. The former top prospect will likely finish as one of the top runner-ups in American League Rookie of the Year voting as well.

Devers, meanwhile, had another solid season at the plate in 2023. The left-handed hitting slugger slashed .271/.351/.500 with 34 doubles, a team-leading 33 home runs and 100 RBIs, 90 runs scored, five stolen bases, 62 walks, and 126 strikeouts across 153 games spanning 656 trips to the plate.

In terms of how he stacked up against the other three finalists at the hot corner this season, Devers ranked first in home runs, first in RBIs, second in runs scored, second in batting average, first in slugging percentage, first in OPS (.851), second in isolated power (.229), first in hard-hit rate (54.7 percent), first in barrel rate (12.7 percent), and third in wRC+ (124), according to FanGraphs.

Devers, who just turned 27 last week, is aiming to join Wade Boggs as the only other third baseman in Red Sox history to win multiple Silver Slugger Awards. Boggs, of course, won the award six times (1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991) as part of his illustrious 11-year career in Boston.

In addition to Casas and Devers, four former members of the Red Sox were named as finalists in the National League as well. They are Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber, Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

Since 1980, Silver Slugger Awards have been given out to recognize the best offensive players at each position in each league. Voting is done by major-league managers and coaches, who cannot vote for players on their respective teams.

This year’s Silver Slugger Award winners will be revealed during an hour-long broadcast on MLB Network beginning at 6 p.m. eastern time on Thursday, November 9.

(Picture of Triston Casas and Rafael Devers: Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Who is Gilberto Batista? Get to know the Red Sox’ Latin Program Pitcher of the Year

Like infielder Yoeilin Cespedes, pitching prospect Gilberto Batista was recognized as the Red Sox’ 2023 Minor League Latin Program Pitcher of the Year at Fenway Park last month.

Batista made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League this past June after signing with the Red Sox for a mere $10,000 as an international free agent last November. In 11 appearances (nine starts) for Boston’s DSL Red affiliate, the 18-year-old right-hander posted a 3.54 ERA with a team-leading 54 strikeouts to just eight walks over 40 2/3 innings in which he held opposing hitters to a .228 batting average against.

Batista’s best start of the year came on July 14. Going up against DSL Cubs Blue on the road, the Dominican-born hurler struck out seven (tying a season-high in that category) across four scoreless, no-hit frames. He took a bid for a perfect game into the bottom of the third inning before leadoff man Omar Ferrera reached on a Franklin Arias throwing error. Batista then struck out the side before retiring the last three batters he faced in the fourth.

Among 94 pitchers in the DSL who threw at least 40 innings this season, Batista ranked fifth in strikeouts per nine innings (11.95), 11th in walks per nine innings (1.77), fifth in strikeout rate (33.5 percent), first in swinging-strike rate (50.7 percent), 12th in walk rate (5.0 percent), 19th in WHIP (1.03), 11th in FIP (3.02), and first in xFIP (2.74), per FanGraphs.

Batista (right) pictured with fellow countryman Brayan Bello (left) at the club’s academy in El Toro

Listed at 6-feet and 165 pounds, Batista operates with a four-pitch mix that consists of a 93-94 mph fastball that touches 95 mph, a “true” curveball, a “hard” slider, and a changeup, according to Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero.

“As he’s added 11 pounds since March, his velocity has started to tick up,” Romero said of Batista in a recent email exchange with BloggingtheRedSox.com. “After a sluggish start to his DSL season, he really excelled July and August. He’s an above average athlete with a lightning quick arm who loves to compete.”

Batista, who turns 19 in January, is projected by SoxProspects.com to make the jump to the United States and pitch in the rookie-level Florida Complex League at some point in 2024.

(Picture of Alex Cora, Gilberto Batista, and Yoeilin Cespedes: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Who is Yoeilin Cespedes? Get to know the Red Sox’ Latin Program Position Player of the Year

Red Sox infield prospect Yoeilin Cespedes reached plenty of milestones in 2023.

In January, Cespedes inked his first professional contract and received a hefty $1.4 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid member of Boston’s 2023 international free agent class. The Dominican native then made his pro debut as a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League and was later recognized as the organization’s Latin Program Position Player of the Year.

Cespedes entered the professional ranks as the No. 24 prospect in Boston’s farm system, per Baseball America’s preseason rankings. Even before debuting with DSL Red Sox Blue in June, Cespedes had already generated plenty of buzz on account of what he was doing in extended spring training games at the club’s academy in El Toro.

“He definitely stands out offensively,” Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero told The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier earlier this year. “He’s been one of the better offensive players that we’ve had there in a while.”

Cespedes earned in-season DSL All-Star honors by batting a stout .338/.391/.552 with 12 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 28 RBIs, 30 runs scored, one stolen bases, 14 walks, and 17 strikeouts in 37 games (169 plate appearances) from June 5 through July 28. After drawing a walk and swiping one bag in the All-Star game itself on July 30, the right-handed hitter closed out the 2023 campaign by going 14-for-37 (.378) with one homer and 10 RBIs in his final nine games.

Altogether, Cespedes slashed .346/.392/.560 with 15 doubles, four triples, six home runs, 38 runs driven in, 37 runs scored, one stolen base, 14 walks, and 24 strikeouts in 46 total games (209 plate appearances). Among 66 hitters in the DSL who made at least 200 trips to the plate this season, Cespedes ranked third in batting average, 27th in on-base percentage, fifth in slugging percentage, seventh in OPS (.953), eighth in isolated power (.215), first in line-drive rate (28.1 percent), sixth in strikeout rate (11.5 percent), and ninth in wRC+ (145), per FanGraphs.

“He’s put up some numbers we haven’t seen very much from that level,” Romero said of Cespedes when speaking with MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith back in July. “Obviously the numbers down there speak for themselves. A lot of contact. A lot of hard contact. I think he’s working on being a little bit more patient at the plate.

“He’s not pull-oriented,” added Romero. “He uses the whole field. He hits the ball hard everywhere. And he hits the ball hard to a lot of quadrants that are pitched to him too, which is good. He doesn’t strike out much. He makes a lot of contact. There’s a lot of good, positive indicators there.”

On the other side of the ball, Cespedes saw all of his playing time on the field this season come at shortstop. There, the 5-foot-10, 181-pounder logged 294 innings and committed seven errors in 139 chances, culminating in a .950 fielding percentage. He also turned 14 double plays.

“He’s become a lot more fundamentally sound,” Romero said of Cespedes’ improving defensive prowess. “In his base, being more flexible, being more athletic. He’s always had the arm strength. For us, it was working on his range, working on his first step, his agility side to side.”

Cespedes, who celebrated his 18th birthday last month, was honored alongside Gilberto Batista — Boston’s Latin Program Pitcher of the Year — and several other Red Sox minor-league award winners on Sept. 28. When speaking with reporters (including Smith) in the home dugout that night, Cespedes was asked about how Baseball America described him as “one of the top hitting prospects to come through the organization’s academy since Rafael Devers a decade ago.”

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be compared to him,” Cespedes said of his fellow countryman through interpreter Carlos Villoria Benítez. “He’s someone I admire and follow a lot. For me to be compared with him, it’s very, very special.”

As a shortstop, however, Cespedes acknowledged that he grew up idolizing Xander Bogaerts and still tries to emulate the former Red Sox star to this day. Bogaerts, of course, left Boston via free agency by signing an 11-year, $280 million deal with the Padres about one month before Cespedes put pen to paper himself.

“One of the reasons was because Xander was here,” Cespedes said when asked about why he signed with the Red Sox. “And another one is because I love Boston. I love the Red Sox.”

Coming off a self-described “learning year” in his first season of pro ball, Cespedes is now regarded by Baseball America as the No. 12 prospect in Boston’s farm system. MLB Pipeline has him ranked 13th on its Red Sox-centered list while SoxProspects.com slots him in at No. 10 on its list.

Still a ways away from the big-leagues, Cespedes is projected by SoxProspects.com to make the jump to the rookie-level Florida Complex League in 2024. Even though the FCL season does not start until next June, Cespedes already knows what he needs to work on in order to get better.

“Definitely swing decisions is something I need to improve on because that aggressiveness makes me swing at pitches that might not be in the zone,” said Cespedes, who described his hit tool as a “super power” of sorts. “So that’s something I need to improve on and I’m already working on that.

“I improved on my defense,” he continued while reflecting on his 2023 . “I think it was day and night the difference compared to where I started and how I finished.”

(Picture of Yoeilin Cespedes: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Xander Bogaerts wins fifth career Silver Slugger Award

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was named a 2022 Silver Slugger Award winner on Thursday night. The announcement was made on MLB Network.

Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers were both named finalists at their respective positions last month. The former beat out Toronto’s Bo Bichette, Minnesota’s Carolos Correa, and Texas’ Corey Seager while the latter came up short against Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez.

In the National League, former Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts won his second silver Slugger Award as a member of the Dodgers and his fifth overall. Kyle Schwarber, on the other hand, won his first career Silver Slugger Award as a member of the Phillies.

This is Bogaerts’ fifth career Silver Slugger Award and his third in the last four seasons. The 30-year-old infielder becomes just the fourth player in Red Sox history to win at least five Silver Sluggers with the club, joining David Ortiz (7), Wade Boggs (6), and Manny Ramirez (5). He also becomes the fifth shortstop to win at least five Silver Sluggers since the award was first introduced in 1980.

Bogaerts finished third in the American League batting title race this season behind Minnesota’s Luiz Arraez and New York’s Aaron Judge, who also received Silver Slugger Awards on Thursday. In 150 games with Boston, the right-handed hitter slashed .307/.377/.456 with 38 doubles, 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, 84 runs scored, eight stolen bases, 57 walks, and 118 strikeouts over 631 plate appearances.

Among qualified American League shortstops, Bogaerts ranked first in batting average, first in on-base percentage, third in slugging percentage, second in OPS (.833), first in wOBA (.363), and second in wRC+ (134), per FanGraphs.

Bogaerts officially become a free agent on Monday after opting out of the final three years and $60 million of his contract. The Red Sox extended the native Aruban a $19.65 million qualifying offer on Thursday, but he is expected to reject it within the next 10 days in order to pursue a more lucrative, longer-term deal on the open market.

(Picture of Xander Bogaerts: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)