Red Sox catching prospect showed off his power swing at Jet Blue Park
Red Sox catching prospect Ronaldo Hernandez put on a power display during batting practice on Friday. While it was only soft toss, Hernandez impressed in front of manager Alex Cora and company.
During the end of batting practice, Hernandez was hitting the ball over the chain fence to replicate the Green Monster.
The 25-year-old is likely a long shot at cracking the major league roster out of camp. He will compete with Reese McGuire, Connor Wong and Jorge Alfaro in camp. Alfaro will miss time due to playing in the World Baseball Classic.
Hernandez’s first season in the Sox system went well. In 99 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .284/.326/.501 for a wRC+ of 122. However, Hernandez took a step back in 2022, hitting .261/.297/.451 for a wRC+ of 93.
He was recently outrighted off the Red Sox 40-man roster in December. Hernandez would clear waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Worcester.
Boston will continue to get a long look at Hernandez while in camp. McGuire is penciled in as the top catcher on the depth chart. Wong has an option remaining on his deal, the Red Sox could option him to make room for Alfaro or Hernandez.
At the very least, Hernandez will provide catching depth at the upper level of the system. Boston will also have Caleb Hamilton at spring training, but he doesn’t seem like he’ll factor in making the big league roster.
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