Raimel Tapia could be swinging his way into a roster spot
Photo Credit: Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images
With the Red Sox at the halfway point of spring training, the Opening Day roster is starting to take shape. While they are still a few spots up for grabs, some players have begun to set themselves apart. Raimel Tapia falls under that category, as he has been a human highlight reel this spring.
The 29-year-old has posted a .412 batting average through six games and recorded seven hits. Six of those have gone for extra bases, and Tapia has been a doubles machine with five. His ability to make hard contact has stood out and given the Red Sox offense a spark.
Additionally, Tapia has shown great plate discipline. The Dominican native has only struck out three times and recorded a .882 slugging percentage He has had multiple hits in three games this spring and has only gone hitless in two. Although pitchers are still rounding into form, the former Blue Jay has been hard to get out.
While Tapia has become a popular name amongst Red Sox fans, his hot start is not a total surprise. The Red Sox got an up-close view of what Tapia could do last year. As a member of the Blue Jays, the San Pedro De Macoris native hit .290 against the Red Sox during the 2022 campaign. In 15 games, he had 16 runs batted and recorded seven extra-base hits. His success was noticed by Alex Cora.
“Same as last year against us,” Cora told reporters on Monday. “Something about the Red Sox and Tapia that he rakes. Bat-to-ball skills. He’ll put the ball in play. He’s got some juice too. He’s a smart hitter, hunting for certain pitches and putting a good swing on it. He makes a lot of contact. Sometimes it works against him, but I don’t mind that. He’s a big, strong kid. All kidding aside, we saw it first-hand last year. He demolished us throughout the season.”
While Tapia does have a strong case to make the roster, he has competition. Jarren Duran is also battling for the fourth outfield spot and arrived at spring training with a new stance that has created optimism for his future. If Tapia does make the Opening Day roster, he will earn $ 2 million.
As spring training winds down, the veteran outfielder is a player to watch. Entering play on Thursday, he leads the Red Sox in doubles and is tied for second in home runs. If he can continue his hot start, there is a strong possibility he will break camp with the Red Sox and starts the 2023 season in Boston.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.