The Boston Red Sox are wasting no time putting some depth pieces in place as they gear up for a potentially franchise-altering offseason.
While fans will want to hear about the addition of potential frontline starters and proven veterans, the early part of the offseason will include plenty of organization depth players. Two of which reportedly are returning for the 2024 season.
The Red Sox are re-signing right-hander starter Victor Santos and left-hander reliever Cam Booser to minor league deals according to Baseball America's Matt Eddy.
Santos posted a 4.97 ERA with a 126-to-34 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .265 batting average against and 1.27 WHIP in 145 innings between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester last season.
The 23-year-old does not have elite stuff and only musters up low-90s fastballs but shows command and could become a star of the new Craig Breslow pitching development system -- which focuses on increasing velocity and spin rate.
Booser is a much more unique candidate. The southpaw was signed out of independent ball last offseason and did enough to earn another contract.
The 31-year-old posted a 4.99 ERA with a 66-to-24 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .245 batting average against and 1.35 WHIP in 57 2/3 innings for Triple-A Worcester.
The journeyman has a strong fastball that can reach triple digits but does not show consistent command and his offspeed offerings -- a slider and cutter -- do not do much to differentiate between the two. Still, his underlying numbers are encouraging.
Both pitchers can be described as depth for now but have the opportunity to improve their status next season.
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