Boston Red Sox Plan to Put Recent Draft Pick, Conrad Cason, on Shohei Ohtani Two-Way Path
Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox have made a bold statement regarding their future, announcing plans to develop their recent draft pick, outfielder-pitcher Conrad Cason, on a two-way path similar to that of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. The move comes after the Red Sox selected Cason in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, and the organization’s commitment to developing Cason both as a hitter and pitcher is expected to set the stage for a potentially transformative career.
Conrad Cason, an athletic and versatile talent out of the University of Georgia, has long been regarded as one of the top dual-threat players in college baseball. His combination of raw power as a hitter and a lively fastball with plus secondary pitches has made him a standout. The Red Sox, who have been scouting Cason for several years, see him as the perfect candidate to pursue the same path that has made Ohtani one of the most unique and compelling players in baseball history.
“We’ve been really impressed with Conrad’s skill set and his ability to perform both on the mound and at the plate,” said Chaim Bloom, the Red Sox’s Chief Baseball Officer. “While it’s still early, we believe Conrad has the potential to do something very special at the major league level. We’re fully committed to supporting him on this two-way journey, just as Shohei Ohtani has inspired so many. It’s rare to find someone with this kind of talent and we’re excited to help him reach his full potential.”
The Ohtani comparison is an obvious one. The Japanese star has revolutionized the modern game with his rare ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter, becoming one of the faces of baseball over the last several seasons. With Ohtani’s success at the MLB level — where he regularly hits for power while maintaining a dominant presence on the mound — the idea of developing a two-way player has gained traction across baseball. However, it remains a rare endeavor for teams to commit the necessary resources to a prospect who would play both ways.
Developing a Two-Way Star
For Cason, the road ahead will be an unconventional one. The Red Sox have emphasized that they plan to carefully monitor his development as a two-way player, with the goal of finding a balance that allows him to thrive both offensively and on the mound. For Cason, this means a mixture of at-bats as a hitter and regular appearances as a pitcher during his minor league journey.
“We’re not going to rush anything,” said Red Sox Director of Player Development, Ben Crockett. “Conrad is a special talent, and we want to make sure that we’re giving him the right opportunities to grow. He’s going to have a lot of resources at his disposal, including an incredible player development staff, and we’re going to take our time to make sure he gets the right amount of exposure in both roles.”
Initially, Cason is expected to start in the Red Sox’s minor league system, where he will begin to hone his dual skills. The Red Sox plan to give him regular opportunities to pitch, starting with appearances in short relief roles or occasional starts. On the hitting side, Cason is expected to work on refining his approach against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, while developing more consistency with his power stroke.
While this is an ambitious project, the Red Sox’s long-term vision for Cason is clear. They hope that he can carve out a role similar to Ohtani, allowing him to make an impact as both a designated hitter and a starting pitcher or reliever. The plan is to give Cason the opportunity to shine in both capacities, while also carefully monitoring his workload to avoid overexertion.
The Road Ahead: An Uncertain Path
The path that Cason is embarking on is undeniably risky. The demands of being a two-way player are significant, and the challenges of balancing both pitching and hitting at the highest level of competition are immense. However, the rewards of successfully developing a player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game could be game-changing for the Red Sox.
“We understand the challenges that come with this,” Bloom added. “But we believe that Conrad’s character and work ethic give him the best chance to succeed. It’s not just about the talent; it’s about the mindset. Conrad is ready for this challenge, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
The Red Sox’s decision to commit to a two-way development path for Conrad Cason signals the team’s willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the modern game. If Cason can make it work, he could join Ohtani in the ranks of elite players who redefine what it means to be a complete baseball player.
For now, the baseball world will be watching closely as Cason embarks on this exciting and unprecedented journey. The Red Sox have staked their claim on a future star, one who could very well be the next Shohei Ohtani — or perhaps even better.
Leave a Reply