Wyatt Mills is making the most of his opportunities in spring training

Photo Credit: Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Wyatt Mills throws to a Detroit Tigers batter during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

With Opening Day quickly approaching, there are still a few open spots in a Red Sox bullpen that has seen significant changes. Over the last few months, the Red Sox brought in veterans such as Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin to stabilize a bullpen that was one of baseball’s worst last season. One pitcher who could join them is Wyatt Mills. The Red Sox acquired Mills in a trade with the Royals earlier this offseason, and he is making a great first impression.

Through his first three appearances this spring, the Spokane native has struck out eight batters in four innings. He has only allowed two hits and walked two batters. Mills leads the Red Sox in strikeouts and has at least two in every appearance this spring.

Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_

It’s clear the Red Sox see something in Wyatt Mills if they’re willing to move an intriguing relief prospect like Jacob Wallace. Mills posted a 4.60 ERA/3.62 FIP in 29.2 IP last season. Funky delivery. Obvious Schreiber vibes. 87th percentile extension.

While the former third-round pick has nearly been unhittable, he still has a lot to prove in the majors. In 38 appearances with the Mariners and Royals, Mills has posted a 6.21 ERA. Through 42 innings of work, he has allowed 29 earned runs, and opponents have hit .280 against him. To making the Opening Day roster, Mills will have to show that he can limit baserunners.

Although the sample size is small, Mills' performance has been hard to ignore. He has only had one rough outing this spring. On Sunday against the Marlins, Mills walked one batter and gave up two hits. However, he avoided disaster and kept the Red Sox in the game. Other than that outing, Mills has kept batters off balance. During his best two years in the majors, he has yet to do that with regularity.

Boston Sports Gordo @BOSSportsGordo

The Red Sox have acquired RHP Wyatt Mills from the Royals, in exchange for RHP Jacob Wallace. Mills posted a 4.79 ERA across 20.2 innings in relief for the Royals last year. Sox clearly intrigued by his delivery ⬇️

As spring training continues, Mills will need to continue his dominant start. When he is in control, opponents have had difficulty making hard contact against the Gonzaga product. So far this spring, opponents are hitting .143 against him.

With the regular season less than a month away, Mills has a limited window to show why he can be a helpful piece in 2023. If he can continue to be a strikeout machine, then the Red Sox should have no issue finding a spot for Mills on the Opening Day roster.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17

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