These Four Under-The-Radar Red Sox Players Stood Out In Spring Training

Red Sox spring training was about finding out how the roster shapes itself, but it also provided an opportunity for multiple players to make a name for themselves.

It was only natural for Alex Bregman and Boston’s prospects to dominate headlines. However, on the latest episode of NESN’s “310 To Left,” The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham offered three players who’ve caught his eye.

“Sean Newcomb’s looked really good from Middleborough High and the Unversity of Hartford,” Abraham told NESN’s Tom Caron. “A guy who’s had a lot of injury issues. He’s pitched really well. He’s athletic. His velocity’s good. He’s dying to play for the Red Sox. He’s wanted to play for the Red Sox since he was a kid. He’s somebody who’s caught my eye. (Carlos) Narváez, the backup catcher they acquired from the (New York) Yankees, he’s a really good catcher. He’s an excellent catcher. I don’t know how much he’s going to hit, but I think he’s going to give them steadiness behind the plate. And Vaughn Grissom, he looks like a better player. He’s stronger. He’s hitter the ball harder. He looks more athletic. Those are the guys that have caught my eye.”

Grissom looked impressive in his appearances in Grapefruit League action. He’s in competition with Kristian Campbell for a spot on the Opening Day roster and embraced the challenge.

Caron provided his own spring training standout.

“I’ll throw Austin Adams into that mix. This guy’s interesting,” Caron told Abraham. “He’s got parts of seven major league seasons, with Oakland last year. An intense dude. He’ll point down a team. Go find this on YouTube. He got the final out against the (New York) Mets last year and pretty much challenged the whole dugout, singing ‘Oh My God,’ into the Mets dugout. The guy’s got experience and throws hard. That’s what I like about that. The Red Sox, wasn’t that long ago — five, eight years ago — they were a team where guys trying to land wanted to come here. They wanted to be a part of this. Last few years, it hasn’t felt like that. Now, they kind of put those pieces back together. So you look at those ‘shoulder guy’ and those are better than the guys trying to make this team a year ago.”

Abraham noted that while the focus is on the Opening Day roster, other players are fighting to make an impression for a job elsewhere or for their own development. You can continue to watch more Red Sox spring training action on NESN and NESN 360.

You can listen to more of “310 To Left” on YouTube or Spotify.