Tyler Dearden is making the most of his opportunities
Photo Credit: Tom Priddy/Four Seam Images)
Over the last few years, Tyler Dearden has steadily moved through the Red Sox system. During the 2021 campaign, he saw his stock rise as he set career highs in home runs with 24 and runs batted in with 80. While he was unable to replicate that success last year, he still showed some power with 25-extra base hits in 94 games for Portland. So far in spring training, the Rancocas Valley Regional High School product has built on his success.
Through seven at-bats, Dearden has posted a .429 batting average and a .857 slugging percentage. The New Jersey native has added three hits to his resume including a home run against the Yankees. While the sample size is small, his performance has been hard to ignore.
After finishing the 2022 campaign in Double-A, Dearden has arrived at Fort Myers with a mindset that is proving to be beneficial.
“It was fun, for sure. Just trying to make the most of whatever opportunities are presented,” Dearden said after recording a hit in his spring debut against the Braves.
Although Opening Day is quickly approaching, the former 881st overall pick has already seen more playing time than ever before. Entering this year, he only had three career spring training games and at-bats on his resume. The Red Sox are giving Dearden more of a look, and he is capitalizing.
While Dearden is expected to start the 2023 campaign in the minors, his play over the last week has been a bright spot. However, there are still adjustments that he needs to make. To take the next step in his career, he must make more consistent contact. The 2017 draftee has struck out 385 times in the minors and battled various injuries. He has shown flashes of being a very productive hitter when he is healthy.
In a Red Sox system full of talent, the Dearden will be looking to set himself apart when the regular season begins. The 24-year-old has not struck out this spring and has shown excellent plate discipline. If he continues to hit as he has in the spring, a promotion to Worcester could be in store this summer. Over the last few weeks, Dearden has created excitement for what the 2023 season will bring.
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