Red Sox Have Pair Of Elite High-Leverage Relievers Rising Through System
The Boston Red Sox's farm system has a lasting reputation for being unable to develop pitching prospects.
Lately, the tide has been turning. Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford are simultaneously establishing themselves as quality big-league starters.
Chris Murphy has started his career with six scoreless innings out of the bullpen, but he is a starter who has moved to the bullpen -- likely temporarily -- just like three of the aforementioned four did to start their careers in Boston.
Red Sox fans have not seen their organization successfully develop a shutdown reliever in quite some time. That appears to be changing, as two young hurlers are dominating in the upper levels of the minor leagues and could be fast-tracked to Boston in the near future.
The two promising hurlers are Ryan Fernandez and Luis Guerrero -- both of whom appear to have what it takes to be high-leverage relievers in the big leagues.
Fernandez was promoted to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday as he awaits his major league debut. He's 3-1 with a 1.46 ERA, 33-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .174 batting average against and 0.93 WHIP in 24 2/3 innings across three levels this season, most of which came with Double-A Portland.
The right-hander's fastball sits in the upper 90's and boasts a five-pitch mix -- though his cutter and slider occasionally blend into one another. The 25-year-old will be challenging some back-end relievers -- such as Justin Garza, Brennan Bernardino, Joe Jacques -- for a roster spot in no time.
Guerrero is right behind Fernandez and has a higher ceiling. The 22-year-old has a 1.32 ERA with a 23-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .161 batting average against and 1.17 WHIP in 27 1/3 innings for Double-A Portland this season.
The right-hander has converted 11 of 13 save opportunities this season and 20 of 23 in his two-year professional career. He was named the closer over Fernandez while they both were with the Sea Dogs and could be the next closer for the Red Sox.
Guerrero can reach triple digits, has a filthy splitter and an effective slider. The Red Sox have hinted toward multiple minor league pitching promotions coming later this month. Guerrero would be on a short list of candidates.
Both prospects have surged in 2023 and appear to be on the doorstep of the big leagues, possibly even later this season. Don't be surprised if this pairing is a dominant combo for Boston down the line.
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