While spring training is less than a week old, excitement is in the air. One Red Sox prospect that is off to a hot start is Ryan Fitzgerald. The Creighton product is not one of Boston’s top prospects but he finished last season in Worcester. Over the last week, his play has stood out as he has crushed two home runs. Although he is expected to start the season in the minors, Fitzgerald is picking up where he left off last season.
Through nine at-bats this Spring, Fitzgerald has posted a .333 batting average. He is tied for the team lead in home runs with two and has one stolen base. In his second MLB spring training, the Hinsdale native is the only Red Sox player that has appeared in six games. His success has been a continuation of what he showed last year.
In 2021, Fitzgerald hit 16 home runs in 108 games. While splitting time between two levels, he had 52 extra-base hits, including 32 doubles. Although he has flown under the radar, the 27-year-old is becoming a more known prospect. He has always had an ability to get on base, but his improved strength has added a new element to his game. Before the 2021 campaign, Fitzgerald had 11 home runs in his first 207 minor league games.
Ryan Fitzgerald – Boston Red Sox (1)* pic.twitter.com/NAXNUejJsl
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) March 19, 2022
Additionally, Fitzgerald is a solid defender. In 2019 Fitzgerlad was the Red Sox minor league Defensive Player of the Year. He can play multiple positions and had 23 outfield assists last season. In an organization full of talent, versatility will be critical as the former undrafted free agent looks to prove himself. His MLB debut could come at some point this season, as he is showing that his power surge last season was no fluke.
Fitzgerald is opening eyes in spring training
Regardless of how spring training ends, the Creighton product has been a bright spot early on. He has a .455 on-base percentage through the first week with only two strikeouts. Although players are still rounding into form, Fitzgerald has wasted no time making an impact. His performance has also stood out to Alex Cora, who said Fitzgerald is “a great story. ”
With Opening Day approaching, Fitzgerald may soon find himself back in Worcester, where he needs more experience. After starting last season in Portland, he only got 42 at-bats in Triple-A. The Red Sox prospect hit three home runs in that span but posted a .262 batting average and struck out 13 times. As he continues to improve his game, Fitzgerald will only be one stop away from Fenway, where he could be needed at some point this summer.
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