Jerez was drafted as an OF by the Sox in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft and failed miserably in multiple seasons spent in the GCL and NYPL. The Sox converted him to a relief pitcher last year and he's been promoted twice this year, starting at Greenville, making a stop in Salem, and now pitching in Portland.
BA just wrote up Jerez as a Helium Prospect to watch:
Interesting prospect with an interesting story.
BA just wrote up Jerez as a Helium Prospect to watch:
Now a 23-year-old lefthanded pitcher at Double-A Portland, Jerez originally signed with the Red Sox in the second round of the 2011 draft as a toolsy outfielder out of the same high school in Brooklyn that produced Yankees relief ace Dellin Betances.
Nothing clicked as a position player for Jerez—he hit .221 without a home run in three tries at short-season ball—so the Red Sox converted him to pitcher, and he’s been nothing but dominant since. He has fanned 61 hitters in as many innings at three stops this year and has set down lefties and righties with equal ease.
Jerez is armed with two plus pitches in his fastball, which has touched as high as 97 mph this year, and a true two-plane slider. He also has a changeup, which is a clear third pitch at this point.
Interesting prospect with an interesting story.