Red Sox prospect Hunter Dobbins continues to see his stock rise
Entering the season, expectations were higher than ever for Hunter Dobbins after he posted a 3.67 ERA in 20 games last year. During the first few weeks of the 2024 campaign, the Texas native has risen to the challenge. In a farm system loaded with talented, Dobbins is off to an encouraging start.
Through 21 innings, the 2020 draftee has posted a 2.14 ERA and added 17 strike outs to his resume. Batters have struggled to get on base against Dobbins, as opponents are hitting .211 against him. His play has been a welcomed sign after he struggled in his first taste of Double-A action.
So far this season, Dobbins has done a great job limiting hard contact. In 112.02 innings of work last year between High-A and Double-A, Dobbins allowed nine home runs. So far this season, he has not allowed one. The talented right-hander has also pitched at least six innings twice, allowing the Sea Dogs to rest their bullpen.
As the innings pile up, Dobbins will be a prospect to keep an eye on. He has not gotten the same attention as other pitchers in the Red Sox system, such as Luis Perales or Wikelman Gonzalez, but he has intriguing stuff that has gotten better with experience. That has been display in Portland.
While Dobbins has thrived regardless of the matchup, he has been particularly tough on right-handed hitters. So far this season, righties have posted a .091 batting average against him. That has partly been due to his success in the 24-year-old's last two starts, which have generated 24 swings and misses.
Although the season is far from over, Dobbins has been a bright spot early on. He currently projects as a back of the rotation starter but he has the ability to miss bats. If he can continue his success, then he should move up the Red Sox's prospect rankings.