Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis (59) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: Sam Travis

The Red Sox are nearly complete at the big-league level. The farm system has been weakened by trades over the past two years for Craig Kimbrel, Drew Pomeranz, and Chris Sale, but Boston still has a solid group of prospects waiting in the wings. Andrew Benintendi can no longer be viewed as a prospect. The Red Sox could use some reinforcements in their starting rotation, but their top pitching prospect, Jason Groome, still needs at least one more full season in the minor leagues before a callup is even a remote possibility.

One position of weakness for the Red Sox at the MLB level is first base. Hanley Ramirez will DH most of the time this season, with Mitch Moreland playing the field. Focusing only on hitting will help Ramirez stay healthy, while Moreland is one of the best defenders in the league at first base.

Moreland is also working through injuries of his own as the Red Sox start the regular season. He also leaves something to be desired offensively, especially against left-handed pitching. A possible solution would be to call top prospect Sam Travis up to the big leagues. Kyle Schwarber’s running mate at Indiana is nearly ready for the big leagues, and has batted over .300 since being drafted.

If there is a knock on Travis, it is that he does not have enough power for a first baseman. That might work if his glove were better, but he is just an average defender. Travis has gotten an extended run with the big leaguers in Spring Training the past two years, and is a .378 hitter in 43 games. He will get a shot at some point this season.

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