clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Boston Red Sox: Will Durbin Feltman reach the majors this season?

New, 2 comments

The 2018 third-rounder has progressed quickly in his debut month

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

At 70-31, the Boston Red Sox have baseball’s best record.

Hence, the BoSox don't have too many holes to fill. Baseball’s best lineup, starting pitcher, and one of the decades best closers all reside in Boston.

However, past that, the Red Sox could use some help. Especially in the bullpen.

The Red Sox could search the trade market for ‘pen help, with the deadline just eight days away. Kirby Yates, Zach Britton, and Joakim Soria are all names that could be of interest to the Red Sox.

If the Red Sox, who lack a deep farm system at the moment, decide to stand pat at the deadline, they could still find help from within their organization. In fact, it already looks like the Red Sox have decided to do just that.

With the 100th-overall pick in last June’s draft, the Red Sox selected Durbin Feltman, a 22-year old reliever out of Texas Christian University.

Feltman, the Horned Frogs All-Time saves leader, was arguably the top reliever in the entire draft. In addition to having a big fastball and filthy slider, Feltman was viewed at as one of, if not the most MLB-ready player in the draft.

Given the Red Sox bullpen needs and Feltman’s potential quick progression, a match made perfect sense.

So far, Feltman has lived up to the quick-rising expectations. In four appearances for Short-A Lowell, Feltman retired all twelve batters faced. In four innings, Feltman struck out seven.

Feltman’s stellar start earned him a promotion to Single-A Greenville, where Feltman has made four appearances. In four innings, Feltman has allowed one run, while striking out eight and recording two saves.

If Feltman’s dominance continues, there’s no reason why the Red Sox should keep him in the minor leagues. While the flamethrower likely needs innings in at least one more minor league level, Durbin Feltman has done nothing but prove his readiness in his first month.