The Boston Red Sox’s trade deadline acquisition of 24-year-old right-hander Quinn Priester is starting to show promising results. Priester, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1-for-1 trade for former first-round pick Nick Yorke on July 29, has made significant strides since joining the Red Sox organization.
Focus on Velocity and Pitch Refinement
One of the key areas of improvement for Priester has been his velocity. His fastball previously averaged around 93 mph during his time with the Pirates, which placed him in the lower percentile for major league pitchers. However, the Red Sox saw untapped potential in him. “We focused on improving his velocity,” said Brian Abraham, the Red Sox’s director of player development. This focus has paid off, with Priester’s sinker now reaching up to 96.5 mph in recent starts.
In his final start of the season for Triple-A Worcester, Priester threw 34 sinkers, averaging 94.1 mph and peaking at 96.5 mph. His improved velocity has led to more swings and misses, particularly with his sinker and slider, which has become a key pitch for him. In one game, he managed 17 swings and misses, five of which came on his sinker.
Development of Secondary Pitches
Along with his velocity increase, Priester has also refined his secondary pitches. He’s focused heavily on improving his slider, making it a more reliable swing-and-miss pitch. Additionally, he’s developed a cutter, which has been a significant addition to his arsenal. “It’s been really positive,” Abraham said. The cutter, combined with his sinker and slider, has helped Priester increase his effectiveness against both right- and left-handed hitters.
Early Struggles and Recent Success
Upon joining the Red Sox, Priester initially faced some struggles as he adjusted to the new system. In August, he posted a rough 8.10 ERA over 20 innings, as he worked on new techniques and pitch grips introduced by the Red Sox coaching staff. However, his performance rebounded in September, where he put up a 2.45 ERA over 18⅓ innings, with a 0.98 WHIP and a .197 opponent batting average.
Physical Growth and Future Potential
The Red Sox have also discussed the potential for Priester to add more physical strength during the offseason. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, there’s room for him to bulk up, which could lead to further improvements in velocity and durability. Abraham mentioned that Priester has embraced the idea of adding size to maximize his potential.
With his velocity increasing and his secondary pitches continuing to improve, Priester is poised to make a strong impact. His work ethic and willingness to adapt have impressed the Red Sox, and they believe he’s positioned well to make strides in the majors.
Conclusion
The Red Sox’s acquisition of Quinn Priester is beginning to pay dividends. His velocity has jumped, and his ability to command multiple pitches has made him a more formidable pitcher. With a successful September under his belt, Priester’s continued development could be a crucial asset for the Red Sox moving forward.
