Future is bright for Boston Red Sox thanks to these prospects that flourished for the WooSox

WORCESTER — The Worcester Red Sox enjoyed a successful inaugural season at Polar Park in 2021. 

The team won on the field and finished third in the Northeast Division with a 74-54 record.

Off the field, fans came out in record numbers as Polar Park welcomed more than 300,000 fans during the first season. Overall, the relocation of the Boston Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate exceeded expectations.

“We couldn’t be happier,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. “It was exactly what we hoped and envisioned. The city and Central Mass. came out to support that group every single game. The energy in the ballpark was amazing.” 

WooSox players, and even visiting teams, raved about the atmosphere and amenities all season at Polar Park. The field conditions rivaled many big-league parks, and the clubhouses were state-of-the-art facilities.

“The ballpark itself is beautiful. We had a number of players, as the summer went on, talked about how great of a Triple-A venue it was, so it was exactly what we envisioned,” Bloom added. “It’s an asset for us, in terms of development and winning. It’s an asset for Worcester and the region, which is what you want for a city in the heart of Red Sox Nation.”

At this level, it’s all about development. Sure, teams want to win, but it’s more important to hone players to make an impact in Boston sooner than later.

While the WooSox set a  Red Sox Triple-A record for players used in a season with 72 (41 pitchers, 31 position players), most die-hard fans were focused on the organization’s top prospects.

The Red Sox did well from a development standpoint, and here are a few postseason scouting reports on those players who could impact Boston in the near future:

Triston Casas

It was an exciting season for the 21-year-old. He made plenty of progress and experienced more than most prospects, including the Olympics. He performed well in every situation. He showed consistency at the plate and drove the ball with power. His defense at first base improved, so it was an important season from a developmental standpoint.

The 26th overall pick in 2018 hit .284 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs in 77 games this season for Double-A Portland. He only struck out 63 times in 329 plate appearances and drew 49 walks. After his promotion to Worcester, he hit .242 in nine games with the WooSox, including 3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 7 RBIs. He’s currently playing in the Arizona Fall League. 

Jarren Duran

Duran, 25, considered one of the top prospects in the organization, made his major league debut this season and played 33 games for the Red Sox. After enjoying so much success in Worcester, he was humbled a bit with his first taste of the big leagues.

He hit the ground running at the start of the season in Worcester and experienced his share of ebbs and flows at Triple A. It was a strong season of growth for Duran, and he’s learning what it takes to be successful on a daily basis in the big leagues. Moving forward he needs to build more consistency in his overall game.

Hit .258 in 60 games for the WooSox, including 11 doubles, 2 triples, 16 home runs and 36 RBIs. He recorded 16 stolen bases.

Jeter Downs

It was definitely a season full of learning experiences for the 23-year-old infielder during his first year at Triple A. He dealt with his share of struggles, but showed the wherewithal to grind through it. He had a chance to compete at the highest level of the minors and showed positive signs at times. He learned to face major league competition at the Triple-A level, while making strides learning the organization and its expectations. While he struggled offensively, hitting .190 in 99 games (357 at-bats) with 9 doubles, 14 home runs and 39 RBIs, he made progress on defensive. He also improved on the basepaths and stole 18 bases. There were plenty of positives to take from a trying season.

Connor Wong

It was a weird season for the 24-year-old catching prospect. He didn’t play as much as he wanted because he made six trips to Boston, mostly for the taxi squad. He did play a few games for the Red Sox and admitted that taste of the big leagues rejuvenated his motivation. He worked on his mechanics behind the plate and began to find some consistency. Dealt with a hamstring injury to start the season and was sidelined for a month. The organization was pleased with how he finished the season, especially offensively. Overall, he hit .256 in 50 games, with 13 doubles, 8 home runs and 26 RBIs for the WooSox.

Yairo Muñoz

The 26-year-old hit .308 in 88 games, including a record-setting 35-game hitting streak. He hit 16 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs and 36 RBIs. He stole 18 bases. He showed his ability to play multiple positions. Brought a ton of energy and the team fed off that both on and off the field. The opportunity to get promoted to Boston was well deserved, and it showed the organization has confidence in his abilities. He was a valuable asset from a depth perspective. Unfortunately, he tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of the season.

Franchy Cordero

Even though the Red Sox acquired him in a trade, Cordero, 27, quickly became a fan favorite in Worcester. He hit .300 in 78 games, including 24 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs and 56 RBIs. No doubt he has big-league ability, and his power speaks for itself. He did learn there’s a big difference between minor and major league pitching during his stints in Boston. He showed his willingness to make adjustments at the plate, and it paid off. An outfielder by trade, he improved his versatility by learning how to play first base. Basically, a left-hander with power, who can play multiple positions, is always an asset.

Tanner Houck

Many believe the 25-year-old has the ability to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. The right-hander exudes confidence on the mound. He made major strides this season in both Worcester and Boston. He improved his glove-side command, and his split-finger improved. He’s always been a power sinker and slider pitcher, but his fastball can carry the top of the zone, and that has made a ton of difference in his success. His trajectory continues to rise. Houck embraces every challenge thrown at him, and he’s able to perform on the big stage, which he has proven during the postseason for the Red Sox. He has the potential to be one of the best front-line starters in the majors for a long time.

Connor Seabold

The 25-year-old right-hander enjoyed an impressive comeback season. He did not pitch in 2020 due to injuries before the Red Sox acquired him in a trade with the Phillies in August 2020. He also started this season on the injured list, but finished strong. He showed what he’s capable of producing on the mound. He possesses top-shelf stuff with an impressive fastball, a pair of breaking balls and a lights out changeup. He needs to find more consistency and build more strength into his 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. He has all the weapons to become a big -eague pitcher and make an impact in Boston.

Kyle Hart

The 28-year-old left-hander made some adjustments with his delivery during spring training, and it took him a bit to gain trust in those changes. It also impacted the way he used his mix of pitches. He was consistent for most of the season and finished strong, which pleased the organization. He dealt with his share of hiccups on the mound, but he always bounced back. Moving forward he needs to sharpen his command, and if he can figure that out then he has the arsenal to become a big-league pitcher. His skill set, desire and drive will carry him into a big-league role.

Kutter Crawford

Rebounded from Tommy John surgery and proved he still has the ability to make an impact in Boston. He cleaned up a few mechanical issues and rebounded in a positive way. His fastball gained more movement and increased his velocity. He’s considered one of the best competitors in the organization. He also possesses a strong demeanor on the mound and doesn’t get rattled. He has all the ingredients to become a solid, quality major league pitcher. He just needs more reps. Crawford has the ability to possibly become a No. 3 or 4 starter in the big leagues.

Raynel Espinal

In a good way, the 29-year-old right-hander was the surprise of the season in the organization. He posted an 11-4 record with a 3.44 ERA. He’s another pitcher with a strong demeanor on the mound. His worth ethic this season was off the charts. His fastball is sneaky good. It’s not overpowering, but it possesses enough movement to keep opposing hitters guessing. In the past, he didn’t have a pitch to complement his fastball, but this season he honed his changeup, and it became an effective pitch. He also worked hard on his slider, and it eventually became a viable pitch for him. He has transformed his game into an important depth piece for the organization when needed.

Kaleb Ort

The hard-throwing right-hander became the closer for the WooSox and finished with 19 saves in 21 opportunities. The 29-year-old arrived in the organization from the New York Yankees as part of the Rule 5 draft, and he was motivated to prove the naysayers wrong. In the past, he dealt with his share of inconsistencies, but he worked hard this season and transformed into a viable closer. If he can improve his slider a bit to complement his upper 90s fastball, then he could be a late-inning option for the Red Sox next season. Plus, he developed a sneaky changeup this season.

Similar to former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Ort grew stronger as the season progressed. He was at his best when the WooSox season ended and it was a bit of a surprise when the Red Sox didn’t add him to the taxi squad for the postseason. Successful major league teams always have a power arm in its postseason bullpen.

Stephen Gonsalves

The left-hander is only signed through 2021, but given his success, there’s a possibility he could return next season. He worked 22 games (10 starts) and was a valuable asset out of the bullpen. He increased his velocity, and the 26-year-old is still learning how to be effective consistenly. He honed his slider and owns a smooth, almost effortless delivery.

Geoff Hartlieb

The Red Sox claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Mets in early September, but the Red Sox were impressed with the small sample size. He worked four games (3⅔ innings) with the WooSox and did not allow a hit. He has every attribute you want in a pitcher, and maybe with a bit more time at Triple A next season, the 27-year-old could make an impact in Boston. If he finds consistency, he could be that lightning in a bottle for the Red Sox.

Josh Winckowski  

The 22-year-old right-hander was impressive at the end of the WooSox season. He started two games and posted a 1-1 record with a 2.25 ERA. He threw a combined 12 innings and struck out 13, while walking only three. He showed no signs of being intimidated on the mound. He’s aggressive with his delivery, and the organization is impressed with his stuff, especially with a power sinker that touches 96 on the radar gun. The 6-foot-4, 212-pounder complements that with an impressive slider, too. If he can improve his changeup, he could make a serious impact in Boston sooner than later. 

Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey