After more than a month of separating themselves from the Red Sox' major league team, the players on the Worcester Red Sox are finally playing actual games that count.
Tonight in Trenton, we are introduced to the next wave of Triple-A options for the Red Sox.
It's no leap of faith to suggest a chunk of Worcester's roster will find its way onto the major-league team at some point in 2021. But there is a big difference between swinging on through and actually becoming a long-term solution.
Here are five players on the WooSox who should be put under the microscope more than most thanks to what they potentially represent for the first-place Red Sox ...
1. JARREN DURAN, OF
This is obvious considering how highly-touted Duran has kept himself over the past few years, with his standout spring training delivering the latest bit of optimism. More than a few believe he is an answer to one of the Red Sox' current problems -- a left-handed-hitting left-fielder who can bolster bottom of the batting order. But ... patience. The good news is that other than a month-long downturn when first called up to Double-A Portland, Duran hasn't stopped taking steps forward throughout his professional career. The expectation is that that isn't going to stop.
2. TANNER HOUCK, P
As we sit here, the Red Sox' starting rotation isn't an issue. That has allowed Houck to continue his development somewhere that doesn't have a third deck of stands. But what Houck represents when the time comes to fill in somewhere in the rotation (and that will happen) is an option that doesn't make the Red Sox take Matt Andriese out of his very important bullpen role, or flirt with the idea of making Garrett Whitlock a starter when his existence fits just fine as is. Somebody else from the WooSox rotation -- Raynel Espinel, Daniel Gossett, Stephen Gonsalves, and Kyle Hart -- could emerge. But right now the next legitimate starting option for the Sox is Houck and then everyone else.
3. MICHAEL CHAVIS, INF
It will be interesting to see if Chavis' red-hot spring training carries over month after everyone left Fort Myers. If he does continue the progression seen in the Grapefruit League the only question will be where and when. Where will he play in the majors, and how quickly will the Red Sox deem his services are needed. Perhaps the most viable path for Chavis is at first base, serving as a fail-safe for Bobby Dalbec if things get too uncomfortable for the rookie. As for replacing Franchy Cordero, that doesn't seem likely because of Chavis' inexperience in the outfield and the Red Sox would most likely be looking for someone who could hit from the left side. For that spot, the favorite would be rehabbing Danny Santana, with Yairo Munoz serving as another option. Neither, however, are currently on the 40-man roster.
4. CONNOR WONG, C
No player took perhaps a bigger jump in the eyes of the major league staff than this catcher, who came over in the Mookie Betts trade. Along with hitting one of the most impressive homers in all of spring training, the athletic backstop impressed in all areas of the game, leaving the organization believing Wong will be a legitimate everyday option. Obviously, the Red Sox seem set at the position for this year and next with Christian Vazquez, but, judging by the last time we saw Wong, this is a player that might not be able to be held down for long.
5. JETER DOWNS, INF
There is no logical fit for Downs on the major-league roster, but he does seem to represent a significant piece of the lineup's future. The interesting part of his existence during spring training was that the Red Sox exclusively played him at shortstop. It was notable because many -- including his Triple-A manager Billy McMillon -- surmised at the end of last season that Downs' ultimate landing spot would be second base, a position that certainly isn't as cemented the place Xander Bogaerts currently calls home. If Downs does take off in Worcester, he could be considered as Option 1 to fill in at shortstop if anything happened to the current starter. It would also add to a conversation that will be had regarding Bogaerts' decision whether or not to opt-out of his current contract after 2022.
Some others ...
CONNOR SEABOLD, SP: He will be delayed due to a sore elbow, but may slot in right behind Houck as the top of the list or starting depth.
EDUARD BAZARDO, RP: After Bazardo got a taste of the majors in Minnesota, Red Sox manager Alex Cora definitely said we would see him in the bigs again in 2021.
MARCUS WALDEN, RP: When spring training broke, the key member of the 2018 and '19 clubs looked like his old self. That could be an important development for a somewhat developing Red Sox' bullpen.
KEVIN MCCARTHY, RP: Big-league experience. Solid introduction to the Red Sox organization. Seems like a down-the-road solution to the inevitable relief-pitching problems.
JONATHAN ARAUZ, INF: Last year's Rule 5 pick is a major-league player who plays with a ton of confidence, is well above-average defensively and can man multiple positions. For a Red Sox team built on versatility, Arauz represents a great fit going forward.