MLB Rookie Report: Deven Marrero, SS, Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox promoted infielder Deven Marrero to the major leagues over the weekend, adding some defensive depth to the bench.

Marrero was drafted in the first round in 2012 out of Arizona State University. He played several weeks with the Red Sox last year, hitting .226/.268/.283 in 53 at-bats but is still a qualified rookie for 2016.

The pre-season view from the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book

Deven Marrero, SS, Boston Red Sox

Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-1 WT: 195 DOB: August 25, 1990

2013: Grade B-; 2014: Grade B-; 2015: Grade B-

Deven Marrero’s sharp defense will keep him in the major league picture for the next several years. Whether he gets past bench work or not will depend on his bat. Every once in a while Marrero will look like he can hit a little, but then a long cold spell will gut his numbers. Last year I wrote that if Marrero "can hit .260/.320/.360 or something along those lines" he could be a regular. That’s still true. I have no objective evidence to support this, but I do think it possible that can happen. I don’t think it enough to hold the previous rating though. Grade C+.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY

Marrero has not hit well at all this year, batting just .216/.256/.264 for Triple-A Pawtucket, with 12 walks and 54 strikeouts in 227 at-bats. He continues to perform well on defense and as noted that will keep him in the roster picture.

But the bat, well, the bat. There continues to be zero objective evidence that his bat will improve. His Isolated Power has declined at each level and his strike zone judgment has slipped. Reports indicate that he lacks the bat speed to consistently catch up with plus stuff and he hasn't shown any ability to drive the ball lately. He's 25 now and time is growing short.

At this point I think I was wrong that he would hit a bit eventually.