Brandon Walter is one Red Sox prospect who could see time in the majors in 2023
Photo Credit: Gwinn Davis
Over the last few years, Brandon Walter has steadily climbed through the Red Sox system. The former 26th-round pick was drafted out of the University of Delaware. His stock has risen as he has posted a 3.09 ERA in the minors. With the 2022 campaign coming to a close, he is one stop from majors after one of his best seasons yet.
Through 57.2 innings of work this season, Walter has pitched to a 3.59 ERA in 11 starts between two levels. The twenty-six-year-old struck out 75 batters and held opponents to a .205 batting average. Although he struggled during his first stint in Triple-A, the New Castle native still has plenty of positives to take from this season.
In two starts for Worcester, Walter allowed seven earned runs. He has also struggled with his control and already walked more batters in Worcester than he did in Portland. However, there have been a few positives as the lefthander was able to strike out seven batters and record one win.
With the focus now on the 2023 campaign, Walter will likely start next season in Triple-A. He is still adjusting to more advanced competition and has already faced some adversity in Worcester. Before his promotion, the Red Sox’s seventh-best prospect had a 2.88 ERA in nine starts. He had never posted an ERA higher than 3.70 at any level in his professional career.
As Walter enters a critical point of his career, he is projected to be a back-end-stater with the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. He has a three-pitch mix with a unique delivery. He also has shown the versatility to pitch out of the bullpen. Twenty-four of his 49 appearances in the minors have come in relief.
While his MLB debut won’t come until next summer, Walter is a Red Sox prospect to keep an eye on. If injuries arise, he could be one of the first arms that the Red Sox turn to. The key for Walter will be continuing to make adjustments as he tries to prove that he belongs in the majors.
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