Greenville Drive Mailbag: Zach Fogell proving to be solid arm for the Greenville Drive
After starting the 2024 campaign in Low-A, Zach Fogell has become a staple in the Greenville bullpen. The former 18th-round pick is putting together the best season of his professional career while keeping hitters off balance. As the season winds down, he is a prospect Red Sox fans should become familiar with.
Since being promoted to High-A on April 12, Fogell has posted a 3.40 ERA in 32 games. During that stretch, he struck out 67 batters and held opponents to a .216 batting average. Of late, Fogell has been lights out after a rough start to August.
In his last four outings, Fogell has not allowed an earned run and struck out five batters. The talented right-hander has only walked one batter in that span and seen his ERA inch closer to 3.00. That has been an encouraging sign as Fogell has continued to improve against more advanced competition.
With the Red Sox bullpen creating more question marks, multiple changes could be on the horizon. Having relievers like Fogell perform well provides reassurance that some help could come next year regardless of how the bullpen is addressed. At the very least, Fogell could be an option in the second half of next season, depending on how he moves through the system.
Through 37 games in the minors, Fogell has posted a 2.88 ERA with two holds. Regardless of the level, he has been a pitcher who could be relied on to put up zeros. With little left to prove in Greenville, the University of Connecticut product should be in Portland sometime next season.
In a system full of talent, Fogell is starting to set himself apart. He has shown the ability to limit hard contact and make adjustments when needed, making the 24-year-old a popular option at every level.
As the Red Sox shift focus to the 2025 campaign, Fogell is showing he could be part of the future.
