The Boston Red Sox made a smart move by signing Hector Velazquez to a minor league deal last spring.
The 29-year-old has delivered impressive performances in the Mexican League so far, proving that he could be a positive contributor to the 2018 Red Sox pitching staff.
The question is: where exactly does Velazquez fit in with the Red Sox?
The righty got a chance at the Majors back on May 18, but it did not go well, to say the least. Over just five innings, he gave up six runs on nine hits, including three home runs. However, his more recent appearances have been much more promising.
On Tuesday, Velazquez pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks and striking out three during Mayos de Navojoa’s 3-0 playoff win over Naranjeros de Hermosillo.
With much of the 2017 roster returning this season, the chances that we will be seeing Velazquez as part of the regular starting rotation are rather unlikely. However, in the inevitable case of injury, Velazquez would be a solid option as an emergency arm.
Red Sox have yet to secure J.D. Martinez
News that the Sox offered J.D. Martinez a five-year deal surfaced on Jan. 2, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Two days later, Sox fans are patiently awaiting positive news on the outcome of the situation.
So far, Martinez is the most solid option that the Red Sox have in regard to this year’s free agent and trade markets.
Martinez will not be cheap, but he’ll be far less expensive than the players on the market next year, such as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. If Dombrowski fails to acquire this big hitter, the team does not have any foreseeable backup plans for the upcoming season.
