The Boston Red Sox are right in the thick of the American League Wild Card race. They have eyes on winning the AL East, but the Yankees currently hold a 15 game lead over them. Although a comeback in the division is not out of the question, the Red Sox current focus is taking care of the Wild Card. And they will be looking to add at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
Boston will surely be ready to dish out prospects at the deadline. However, which prospects should be considered off-limits… or untouchable for that matter?
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3 Red Sox prospects who should be untouchable at 2022 MLB trade deadline
Brayan Bello, SP
Brayan Bello has seen significant development in his overall game over the past few years. He was a somewhat highly-touted prospect prior to the 2020 campaign. But according to MLB.com, Bello utilized the pandemic period to get stronger and add velocity to his fastball. He saw a 3-5 MPH increase on his heater and his ceiling rose as a result.
Bello's fastball and change-up standout as his main pitches. He is developing a more versatile arsenal. Control can be an issue at times, but the stuff is there without question.
Bello recently made his MLB debut and surrendered 4 runs over 4 innings. However, his fastball reached 97 MPH in the outing. Brayan Bello is Boston's top pitching prospect and the team should hold onto him. I don't believe he is as indispensable as the next two players on this list, but the Red Sox should avoid trading him unless they are receiving someone like Juan Soto in return.
Triston Casas, 1B
Triston Casas is an exciting 22-year old prospect. The powerful first baseman is MLB ready but has dealt with injuries this season.
Casas' most intriguing qualities are his power, arm, and fielding. He grades out as a terrific power hitter. But he also sports a great throwing arm. So a move to third base or the outfield may not be out of the question. One has to figure his arm strength is being wasted at first base.
The Red Sox need to keep him on the roster. He profiles as a future middle of the order bat in Boston. There are similarities between him and Bobby Dalbec… but Casas projects to be a better overall hitter. If anything, the Red Sox could trade Dalbec and give Triston Casas a chance in the big leagues this season.
Casas entered the season as the Red Sox number 2 prospect for a reason. And Boston shouldn't let him go.
Marcelo Mayer
Marcelo Mayer was expected to be the first overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft. So many were shocked when Mayer fell to the Red Sox at number 4. Sure, he was young. But Mayer's defense and offense were elite for his age.
Teams are going to regret passing on Mayer in the draft.
The 6'3 shortstop could end up at third base someday. But his glove will keep him there for the foreseeable future. The contract situation with Boston's current shortstop Xander Bogaerts will directly affect Mayer.
The Red Sox might be inclined to switch his position or trade him if they decide to extend Bogaerts for the long-term. But as of now, it appears as if that will not occur. So Marcelo Mayer is considered the shortstop of the future in Boston.
His MLB ETA is 2024 according to MLB.com. But we might see him as early as 2023 if he continues developing at a quick pace.
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