Red Sox pitching prospect Felix Cepeda enters the 2024 campaign with higher expectations
Over the last year, Red Sox prospect Felix Cepeda has seen his stock rise as he put together his best season in the minors. The Dominican native split time between two levels during the 2023 campaign and was a strike-out machine. As a result, more eyes are on him than ever before.
The talented righthander began the 2023 season in Low-A, where he posted a 3.03 ERA in 19 games. During his time with Salem, Cepeda struck out 39 batters while holding opponents to a .216 batting average. Due to his play, he was promoted to High-A in July.
With Greenville, his success continued as Cepeda limited hard contact. In 20.1 innings of work, Cepeda posted a 1.33 ERA and only allowed ten hits. He thrived in high-leverage situations and converted all four of his save opportunities. Now, he enters his sixth year in the Red Sox organization in unfamiliar territory.
After dominating High-A hitters, Cepeda could soon be in Double-A. Regardless of the level, he kept his opponents off balance during the 2023 campaign and was not fazed by the increase in competition. That only brought out the best in his game.
Additionally, the 2023 campaign marked the first time since 2018 that Cepeda finished a season with an ERA below 4.50. He also got more save opportunities than ever before and was highly effective. His focus in 2024 will be limiting baserunners.
While the Red Sox roster will undergo many changes in the coming weeks, Cepeda is one exciting prospect to keep an eye on going forward. He did struggle in the Arizona Fall League, but his play during the regular season created optimism for the future.
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