A Year In Review: Rafael Devers

milb.com

While Yoan Moncada and Anderson Espinoza have rightfully garnered the attention of fans and media attached to the Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers has quietly become one of the better prospects in all of baseball. 

Currently listed as #2 in the Boston farm system, Devers signed as an international free agent in July of 2013, with a $1,500,000 signing bonus. At the age of 19, his potential is through the roof and could threaten for a position with the big league team as early as 2018. 

Physically, for 19 years young, Devers is a pretty big guy. With a large lower half, Devers needs to be careful as his success grows throughout baseball. He is physically mature, but is not a great athlete and needs to watch his weight (215 pounds) in the future. 

Because of his big body, Devers possesses that raw power that lets him drive the baseball all over the field. For a bigger guy, he has extremely quick hands that benefit him in driving the baseball to the opposite field. Plain and simple, Dever's best attributes come from his bat.

With Single A Greenville, in 115 games, Devers hit .288 with 11 home runs and 70 RBI. Similar to Moncada, there is still a lot the 6-foot, 215 pound slugger needs to learn in American baseball. 

In the future, as Devers matures both physically and mentally, if he can continue to show 30+ home run power, Devers may transition over to first base, as his fielding and arm are average at best. The young Dominican player has all of the attributes to be an all star at the plate, which is something that the Red Sox are going to lack when David Ortiz retires. 

Teams have been calling about Devers' availability, but, unless the Red Sox are able to package him in a deal for Sonny Gray or Chris Sale, I think that they will hang on to him. 

By Pete Packowski 
​@Pete_BBS